2022 Kiona Chenin Blanc, Columbia Valley, Washington (750ml)
About the Icons
John Williams and Jim Holmes became fast friends after working together at General Electric in the 1960's. Their mutual appreciation for wine led to the wild idea to plant a vineyard on an overlooked expanse of desert on the edge of town; locals thought they were nuts. In 1972, the pair bought land on Red Mountain, eventually planting their first vineyard in 1975. The rest, as they say, is history…
Today, Red Mountain is heralded as one of the premier wine producing regions in the New World. Kiona Vineyards now consists of five estate Red Mountain sites, all with their own distinct personalities and charisma. Kiona Estate—Red Mountain’s pioneering vineyard planted in 1975, is also home to the most esteemed Lemberger planting in the western hemisphere. Heart of the Hill—situated in the very middle of the AVA, is known for its deep, brooding, and assertive wines. Artz Vineyard—Fred Artz's eponymous vineyard, is prized for producing wines of profound concentration, color, and character. Ranch at the End of the Road—nestled up against Red Mountain—has tremendous versatility and produces very pure and very concentrated fruit. Lastly, Sunset Bench—Kiona Vineyards’ most recent acquisition, is located just west of the Ranch at the End of the Road vineyard. Chenin Blanc grows exceptionally well in the Columbia Valley, where big temperature swings and ample sunlight ensure even ripening and vibrant acidity. Plummeting temperatures in late fall even allow Kiona to produce a Chenin Blanc Ice Wine in most vintages. Limited old-vine acreage (like Kiona Vineyards’ plantings that date back to 1976) make Red Mountain Chenin Blanc highly sought after by producers and consumers alike. The 2022 is blend of 78% Chenin Blanc, 9% Viognier, 7% Roussanne, 4% Gewürztraminer, 2% Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from 63% Kiona Estate, 15% Andrews, 11% Ranch at the End of the Road, and 11% Artz. Partial barrel ferments and clay amphora add texture in this vintage as well, while the succulent charm of fine Chenin still leads the parade.