When we first tasted fruit from Junius Vineyard (formerly Norgard) on Mendocino's Talmage Bench, we knew it had the potential to produce the style of Chenin Blanc we want to make. We’ve been working with this site since 2018, drawn to its ability to produce wines with vibrant acidity, quiet power, and an unmistakable mineral backbone.
Junius Vineyard was planted in 1980 on the eastern side of the Ukiah Valley, where a northwest-facing slope, well-drained Pinole soils, and warm days balanced by cool evenings create ideal conditions for Chenin Blanc. Although the vineyard is irrigated—a rarity among many of the sites we work with—the vines naturally produce exceptionally small berries with remarkable concentration. Working closely with the grower, the vineyard is farmed organically at our direction, allowing us to harvest fruit that consistently reflects the character of this unique site.
Our first Chenin Blanc from Junius was named Cézanne, after Joel's eldest daughter. Fermented in concrete eggs and barrel, it captures the vineyard's bright, energetic side with freshness, precision, and lift. When Joel's younger daughter asked when she'd have a wine named after her, it sparked the creation of Cuvée Esmé Anne. Introduced with the 2022 vintage, it explores a different expression of the very same vineyard. Barrel fermented and given extended aging before bottling, it reveals greater texture, depth, and complexity while maintaining the elegance and tension that define Junius.
Both wines are inspired by the great Chenin Blancs of France's Loire Valley, particularly those from the hill of Brézé in Saumur. Rather than chasing richness, we pick early to preserve natural acidity and freshness, ferment with native yeast, and handle the fruit gently from start to finish. Every decision in the cellar is made with one goal in mind: allowing exceptional fruit to become balanced, expressive wines without obscuring the character of the vineyard. Shop our Chenin Blancs here.
