Introduction
The 2022 Husch Vineyards Chenin Blanc from Anderson Valley, Mendocino, is a vibrant and refreshing white wine that celebrates Chenin Blanc’s crisp, fruit-driven profile. As one of Mendocino’s oldest wineries, Husch Vineyards brings a heritage of craftsmanship to this wine, focusing on terroir expression and sustainable practices to create a balanced and lively Chenin Blanc with bright acidity and subtle complexity.
Terrior
Anderson Valley’s cool-climate conditions, influenced by Pacific breezes and fog, allow Chenin Blanc to retain its natural acidity and develop concentrated flavors. The vineyard’s well-draining soils and moderate climate enhance the grape’s freshness, while Mendocino’s slightly warmer microclimates within the valley add a touch of ripeness, lending balance to the wine’s crisp structure.
Appearance
Pale straw with a slight greenish hue, clear and bright, reflecting the wine’s freshness and youth.
Nose
The nose opens with aromas of green apple, pear, and citrus blossom, followed by hints of melon, honeydew, and a subtle minerality that reflects the cool coastal influences of Anderson Valley.
Palate
On the palate, this Chenin Blanc is light to medium-bodied with refreshing acidity. Flavors of lemon zest, white peach, and green apple are complemented by a slight herbal note and a clean, mineral-driven texture. A touch of creaminess from lees contact adds depth, balancing the wine’s bright acidity and fruit-forward profile.
Finish
The finish is crisp and clean, with lingering citrus and green apple notes, leaving a refreshing impression with a touch of salinity.
Overall Impression
The 2022 Husch Vineyards Chenin Blanc is a lively, well-balanced wine that showcases the freshness and purity of Anderson Valley’s terroir. Its bright acidity and clean profile make it a versatile choice for pairing with seafood, salads, and light poultry dishes, as well as an excellent aperitif.
Published Rankings
Wine Enthusiast Rating: 91
James Suckling Rating: 90
Published Awards and Recognition
Gold Medal, Mendocino County Wine Competition 2023
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 12.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainable, with practices focused on environmental preservation and soil health. Husch Vineyards minimizes chemical inputs, uses organic composting, and encourages biodiversity by maintaining cover crops and natural vegetation. The winery employs integrated pest management to reduce pesticide use and conserves water with targeted irrigation.
Producer Name: Husch Vineyards
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: USA
Region: Anderson Valley, Mendocino, California
Grape Varietals: Chenin Blanc
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry white
Winemaking Techniques: Stainless steel fermentation to retain freshness and aromatics, with lees contact for added texture and complexity
Pack Size: 750 ml
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Screw cap