Inglenook : Blancaneaux 2020

A lively and aromatic California white wine

The estate

Located in the Rutherford AVA in Napa Valley, the Inglenook winery was established in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum, a Finnish captain. The estate's wines swiftly became known for their quality and richness.

From 1975 onwards, Francis and Eleanor Coppola gradually acquired the entire estate with the ambition of turning Inglenook into an emblematic reference for Californian wines. The couple undertook major renovations to the infrastructure and hired renowned winemaker André Tchelistcheff as a consultant and Philippe Bascaules of Château Margaux to oversee the vinification process.

A pioneering estate in constant search of innovation, Inglenook's uniqueness lies in its singular and authentic expression of fine terroirs through delicate, refined and perfectly balanced wines. These wines are recognised by many critics, highlighted by the fact that the Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon 1941 wine was awarded a score of 100/100 by the Wine Spectator in 1990.

The vineyard

Inglenook reigns over a 95-hectare vineyard, which has been certified organic since 1991. The variations in topography of the vineyard reflect the mosaic of terroirs in the Napa Valley and contribute to the uniqueness of Inglenook. Since 2015, the estate has begun an ambitious programme of replanting an average of 2% of the vineyard each year, to ensure the continuous renewal of the vineyard.

The wine

Produced since 1999, Inglenook's Blancaneaux is a Rutherford wine made from a blend of three Rhône Valley grape varieties grown in parcels of the estate that benefit from the morning sunshine and the refreshing mid-afternoon shade of Mount St John. The body and minerality of the Marsanne and Roussanne are combined with the intense tropical fruit aromas of the Viognier variety.

Vinification and ageing

Aged for 8 months on lees in stainless steel vats (60%) and French oak barrels (40%), 22% of which are new oak.

The blend

Viognier (36%)

Marsanne (33%)

Roussanne (31%).

Inglenook’s Blancaneaux 2020: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

This brilliant wine showcases a beautiful golden yellow colour.

Nose

The nose reveals, when aerated, fragrances of Meyer lemon cream, honeysuckle and white peach.

Palate

The concentrated and smooth palate seduces with its tension and its delicious floral (camomile) and fruity (Anjou pear) aromas.