2016 Inglenook Blancaneaux
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Tasting notes
A Rhône-inspired blend of 36% Viognier, 32% Marsanne and 32% Roussanne, the 2016 Blancaneaux was fermented and aged in a mix of stainless steel and oak, spending seven months on the lees prior to racking for bottling. Scents of struck match and pencil shavings mark the nose, joining aromas of toasted marshmallow, pear and citrus. In the mouth, this medium-bodied effort is nicely textured, then adds notes of citrus pith and seems almost a bit salty on the finish. It appears to have several good years still ahead of it.
Critic scores
Average Score
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
36% Viognier, 32% Marsanne, 32% Roussanne. A winter with average rainfall followed four years of drought, providing ample soil moisture to kick off the 2016 growing season. Early spring was warm, triggering rapid, healthy canopy growth. Late-spring temperatures and limited rainfall reduced the risk of frost during mid-May bloom, ensuring standard yields. June closed with warmer temperatures, slowing vine canopy growth at the ideal time. Cool August weather helped the fruit retain the freshness valued in this wine. The Blancaneaux harvest began with Viognier on 29 August, followed by Marsanne, and finished with Roussanne on 9 September. Honey and melon on the nose, with a little cream. The palate is peachy, waxy and round. Already soft and showing a hint of fresh nut. Both sweet and savoury on the finish. (TP)
About the producer
Inglenook is one of Napa’s oldest wine estates, founded in 1879, but is today owned by Francis Ford Coppola.