Lone Madrone Chenin Blanc Review

Chenin Blanc hails from the Loire Valley in France and has become the main white wine grape in South Africa, but I’m partial to the bottles I find in the Paso Robles area.

Wine review by: Jessyca Frederick

Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc: front of bottle with wine in glass

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About this Wine

Wine: 2018 Chenin Blanc
Blend: 100% Chenin Blanc
Region: Adelaida District, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
Retail price: $35
I consumed it: March 2023
My source: Lone Madrone Tasting Room

The Back Label

Chenin BlancBack Label

Discover More

From this winery: Lone Madrone

Region: Paso Robles, Central Coast, California

Wine color/style: White wine

Grape variety or blend: Chenin blanc

Tasting notes: Bright, Honey, Apple

Other characteristics: Aged

Chenin Blanc: What I think

This Chenin Blanc, with 4+ years of age on it, was not especially fruity, rather it was aromatic and offered a honeyed/waxy mid-palate, backed by apple cider (after it had been open a while). The acidity and body were beautiful, offering interesting textures as the wine moved across my palate. When it was younger it showed more stone fruit and the aromas were stronger.

Chenin Blanc hails from the Loire Valley in France and has become the main white wine grape in South Africa, but I’m partial to the bottles I find in the Paso Robles area. As the kids say, they’re "extra" (in a good way). My preference for this style of Chenin Blanc should surprise no one who knows I like my wines balanced, fruity, and aromatic.

We were members at Lone Madrone for a long time, and this is probably one of the last few of their white wines we have hiding in the cellar. When we open one, I remember why we were members for so long. Neil Collins (better known as the winemaker at Tablas Creek Vineyards) likes his wines the way I do — big and punchy.

Last updated: July 17, 2023

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