Pax Chenin Blanc 'Helios'

Pax Mahle is one of the top vignerons in the US, and his Helios Chenin Blanc is the best value he makes. It's also a testament to the fact that world-class Chenin isn't just make in France's Loire Valley, it's also being crafted in our own country!

This comes from two wonderful and organically-farmed vineyards in very different parts of the state. Most of the fruit comes from Lyman Ranch in Amador County, and the warmer aspect of this site gives the wine its ripe, luscious, and golden-fruited character. The rest of the grapes are sourced from Marine Terraces in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and these grapes imbue the wine with its zesty and mineralic style. It all adds up to a gorgeous bottle of white wine, and we highly recommend it!

'A medium straw color, the 2023 Chenin Blanc Helios offers softer sea spray notes along with hints of hay and white pear. Medium-bodied, it has a lovely, chalky, crushed seashell texture, with a great finish, and will drink well over the next 6-8 years.' - Jeb Dunnuck, 93 points

'A barrel selection, the 2023 Chenin Blanc Helios was fermented in stainless steel and concrete and matured in used 500-liter French puncheons. It opens with youthful flinty tones before giving way to apricot, freshly baked bread, beeswax and spice. The palate is bursting with layers of honeyed orchard fruit. It balances a phenolic, mouth-coating texture with mouthwatering acidity and has a very long finish. It opens dramatically with time in the glass and will benefit from 2-3+ years to mature in bottle.' - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93+ points