Husch Vineyards/Perfect White Wines/Anderson Valley

I recently sat down with winemaker Jeff Jindra at Husch Vineyards.We enjoyed a couple white wines from Husch Vineyards.A glass of these wines will set you off in the direction of a great food and wine pairing!Let's check out the tasting notes first. 2013 Sauvignon Blanc The tradition of Husch Sauvignon Blanc began back in 1980, when the first Sauvignon Blanc crop from La Ribera Vineyards was harvested. The resulting wine – only about 200 cases – was an instant success. A tradition was born and the loyal following for Husch Sauvignon Blanc has continued to grow over the years. In 2013 California experienced the driest year on record but the fruit quality turned out excellent. Spring came early and led into a nice warm summer with a picture perfect fall. We harvested the grapes over three weeks and each pick captured a different flavor of Sauvignon Blanc. The earlier picks represent the green and grassy side, while the later picks bring forth luscious melon and tropical fruits. Each batch was cold fermented individually and later blended to perfection. The 2013 Husch Sauvignon Blanc is a joy to drink and has lovely aromas of key lime, papaya, star fruit, melon, with a hint of capsicum and fresh herbs. Refreshing acidity highlights the citrus, melon, and tropical fruit flavors. On the palate the wine has a full impact and presents freshness and clean fruit purity. This versatile wine pairs nicely with oysters by the seaside, orzo pasta salad, or a rotisserie chicken. Drink now through 2016. 2012'Special Reserve' Chardonnay Each year Husch’s Special Reserve Chardonnay is a barrel selection blend crafted by our winemaker, Brad Holstine. To build this blend, Brad samples wine from hundreds of barrels to choose the lots that will combine to make a soft and rich Chardonnay in the “California Chardonnay” style. Our 2012 Special Reserve Chardonnay showcases the best of Mendocino County. This blend represents the best grapes, winemaking, and barrels. Using a trick first observed by Champagne producers, sur lie aging and bi-monthly battonage (lees stirring) increase the richness and velvety nature of this wine. About half of the total blend underwent malolactic fermentation to add extra creaminess. The result is a full-bodied and balanced Chardonnay that leaves you always wanting just one more glass! Our 2012 Special Reserve Chardonnay stays true to Mendocino and has wonderful aromas of pineapple, green apple, and toasted vanilla. On the palate, this wine is rich and creamy with lovely fruit and oak flavors. Enjoy a glass of this full-bodied wine with Dungeness crab, chicken Alfredo, or stuffed mushrooms. Triple cream cheeses such as Brie or Camembert would also be a great match with this deliciously rich wine.Join us now as we feature winemaker Jeff Jindra and Husch Vineyards.Click here and join us for a glass of Husch Vineyards Sav Blanc. Click here and this will become a new favorite Chardonnay.