2023 Mendocino Chenin Blanc and 2020 ‘Two Fourteen’ Cabernet Franc join the Loire Valley inspired lineup
St. Helena, CA, September 6, 2024 – Lang & Reed Napa Valley continues to explore and excel at sharing California expressions of the Loire Valley varietals Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. The family brand has just released a 2023 Mendocino Chenin Blanc and a 2020 ‘Two Fourteen’ Cabernet Franc. The 2023 Chenin Blanc ($35 SRP) is the tenth vintage crafted by the father-son winemaking duo, while the 2020 ‘Two-Fourteen’ ($90) is the fourteenth vintage from Block 9 of Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard and the only designated bottling of the rare Clone 214 in California.
When Lang & Reed Napa Valley began their exploration of Chenin Blanc over a decade ago, they never imagined that they’d be leading the renaissance of this noble variety. A white exploding in popularity, this Chenin Blanc is sourced from a region in Mendocino known as Talmage Bench, on the east side of the Russian River and planted in 1980.
The 2023 vintage turned out to be one of the coolest and elongated growing seasons in recent past. The most complex Chenin that Lang & Reed has produced, the distinctive aroma of a spring flower blossom mingles with nectarine and other stone fruits abound. Fresh and vibrant, it is bright when it first hits the palate but there is a richness with layers of fruit, honey tones and a touch of saline minerality. Finishing with brisk acidity and a little chalky notes, this wine has all the freshness to be a perfect foil to fresh oysters, yet the stuffing to take on heartier fare like grilled salmon or roasted chicken.
Keenly aware of all things Cabernet Franc, winemaker John Skupny has spent his 30+ years at Lang & Reed researching source material and clonal selections. He encountered Clone 214 in the early 90’s when it first made its way into Napa Valley. Located on ideal rocky soils on a hillside slope, the Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard benefits from cooling breezes that emanate from the San Francisco Bay. This new world climate combined with the old world Loire Valley Clone 214 provides the basis for a unique and immensely gratifying presentation of the Cabernet Franc grape.
Between mother nature and the pandemic, 2020 provided a challenge at about every turn. The fairly early harvest provided some very good fruit, and careful sorting and thoughtful vinification brought out Cabernet Franc’s best attributes. Aromatically, the wine has an abundance of brambly dark berry fruits, rose hips, and savory herbs. It’s a luscious on the palate, showing clarity and tension with an encore of the dark berry flavors that complement hints of dried herbs and cocoa. The fruit acids and tannin combined with the rich vanilla notes all come together in a long, silky and persistent finish. The shear richness and length of flavor impact make this a great glass now or with a few years of bottle age.
About Lang & Reed Napa Valley
Located at 1244 Spring St in St Helena, CA, Lang & Reed is one of the few wineries in Napa Valley to specialize in 100% Cabernet Franc and explore the distinct charms of Chenin Blanc. They have long been inspired by and passionate about giving these varieties an opportunity to shine – true to type, pure in flavor. The wine-producing Skupny family has been creating expressive wines that are enjoyable to drink since 1996. Winemaking is a form of storytelling for the Skupny family, and Lang & Reed wines tell a tale of a multi-generational family business and their wonderful wine-filled life together.
Spring House, an historic Victorian that is now home to Lang & Reed’s tasting salon, is right off the hub of St Helena’s Main Street, where Tracey, John, Reed and Megan Skupny offer intimate, appointment-only tastings that allow visitors to get to know the family behind the brand, while they impart their affection for Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. To learn more about Lang & Reed Napa Valley, their 2023 Mendocino Chenin Blanc, 2020 ‘Two Fourteen’ Cabernet Franc or other upcoming wine releases, visit their website (https://langandreed.com/) and follow them on Instagram (@langandreed) and Facebook (@langandreed).
