2017 Stolpman Chenin Blanc Combe Cuvée Viticole
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Combe Chenin Blanc Stolpman Vineyards opens with reductive aromas of struck match/sulfur, very slowly giving way to classic aromas of wet wool, bruised apple, ripe peach, cider, honeycomb and candle smoke. It’s medium to full-bodied and classically funky in the mouth, with very juicy acidity and a long, textured finish. It’s quite delicious despite those reductive notes.
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Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Chenin Blanc Extended Barrel Aging represents the first juice from the two separate pickings of Combe's Chenin this year. It's higher in acidity and is being aged in demi-muids instead of smaller barrels. The nose offers up notes of lemon oil, smoke, poached pear, beeswax and noble reduction, with more purity than the regular bottling. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, glossily textural and structured around a lovely line of acidity, with more chalky grip on the finish. This is very promising.