© Copyright 1997 by Robin Garr. All rights reserved.

Chappellet 1995 Napa Valley Chenin Blanc "Dry" ($8.99) This is an old favorite, one of the most delightful Chenin Blancs coming out of California year after year, and I'm most pleased to find that the 1995 release is entirely up to snuff: Very pale straw color. Attractive melon, tangerine and spice aromas jump out of the glass. Flavors follow the nose, crisp and tart and bone-dry. A delicious tangerine-juice element persists in a long finish. Outstanding wine; if more people tried it, the sad reputation of Chenin Blanc in the U.S. would turn around overnight. I note from the label that Chappellet has a Website. I think I'll drop by there and tell them how much I like their wine. (July 18, 1997) All my wine-tasting reports are consumer-oriented. In order to maintain objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest, I purchase all the wines I rate at my own expense in retail stores.