2022 Abbot’s Passage “Sightline” Chenin Blanc Field Blend, Clarksburg
Tasting Notes
Abbot’s Passage, a project from 6th generation vintner Katie Bundschu, is a unique collection of small-lot, co-fermented field blends sourced from singular vineyards around Northern California. Each wine expresses a distinctive dirt and climate story to highlight the depth of the region.
Named after our family’s clear vision, or sightline, from one generation to the next. Sightline is also representative of the clear “sightline” to the Sierra Mountains from the vineyard site in Clarksburg.
We have the privilege to source the fruit for this field blend from a fifth-generation, family-owned Heringer Estates, where the cooling breezes from the Sacramento River Delta invigorate the vineyards. Rows of Chenin Blanc and Verdejo were hand-selected for this wine, which displays expressive aromas of herbaceous peach tea, with notes of Meyer lemon, almond biscotti, and a tingly pop rocks sensation on the palate. Hand-harvested whole cluster direct to press. Co-fermented and aged in concrete egg (which adds a signature mouthfeel) and neutral French oak for 4 months. Pairs well with the assortment of dried fruits on a grazing board.
Abbot’s Passage is a winery and mercantile located in the heart of Glen Ellen. We’re inspired by the paths less traveled. We celebrate processes and products that embrace the exceptional. Whether you’re new to our valley or a seasoned explorer, here’s to something unexpected, but just what you were looking for.
Nestled between rows of 80-year-old vines and surrounded by the storied hills of Sonoma, finding Abbot’s Passage means you are both lost and found. Our eclectic collection of Rhône-style wines inspires a winery and curated mercantile experience that challenges convention. Whether coming to taste, shop, play, or celebrate, our collective invites friends and family to come often and stay awhile.
Katie Bundschu, The Vintner
I’ve always kept my family’s story close to my heart, and as the first woman winemaker in six generations, I wanted to add a new dimension to the Bundschu legacy. I created Abbot’s Passage to step off the beaten path and honor the women who came before me. Each of our Rhone-inspired, field blend wines brings vineyards, stories, and people together.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
I was very excited when this Lab Rat bottle arrived. I’m not a huge white wine drinker but with summer heat I do enjoy them more. I have never heard of Verdejo so I was excited to try this blend.
Poured my first glass right out of the fridge. The color is a very pale straw. The nose was very minimal, maybe a little pear. The only taste I got was citrus, mainly lemon. It is a lighter wine, dry with medium acidity and a light oak finish.
As it warmed up a bit not much changed for me. Still mainly tasted citrus/lemon. Day 2 was the same. I did polish off the bottle and enjoyed it. I honestly think I need to drink more white varietals to have a better appreciation of them.
Thanks to all at WCC for the opportunity to try something new to me. It’s always a fun job!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2022 Abbot’s Passage Chenin Blanc Field Blend - $30 = 21.42%
This sounds just up our alley for a summer sipper. I’ll do the 1+1 thing again (1 now, 1 later). The Dao we got a couple weeks ago was fine with the heat.
Really intrigued by the varietal combination, both of which I love. Curious how the oak will impact what I normally would have assumed would be an unoaked wine. Wine Enthusiast appears to have given the 2016 vintage of this a 91. Certainly worth a shot at this price point, especially with the $10 coupon. In for a case.
Totally legendary. Cut my teeth on Bundschu cabs in very early 90’s from sampling them at the San Jose Mercury News wine competition. This time, the name drop totally worked. How can’t I go for this.
2022 Abbot’s Passage “Sightline” Chenin Blanc Field Blend, Clarksburg
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$294.00/Case for 12x 2022 Abbot’s Passage “Sightline” Chenin Blanc Field Blend, Clarksburg at Abbot’s Passage
About The Winery
Katie Bundschu, The Vintner
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Aug 25 - Tuesday, Aug 26
2022 Abbot’s Passage Chenin Blanc Field Blend
6 bottles for $69.99 $11.67/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $109.99 $9.17/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
I was very excited when this Lab Rat bottle arrived. I’m not a huge white wine drinker but with summer heat I do enjoy them more. I have never heard of Verdejo so I was excited to try this blend.
Poured my first glass right out of the fridge. The color is a very pale straw. The nose was very minimal, maybe a little pear. The only taste I got was citrus, mainly lemon. It is a lighter wine, dry with medium acidity and a light oak finish.
As it warmed up a bit not much changed for me. Still mainly tasted citrus/lemon. Day 2 was the same. I did polish off the bottle and enjoyed it. I honestly think I need to drink more white varietals to have a better appreciation of them.
Thanks to all at WCC for the opportunity to try something new to me. It’s always a fun job!
@suzanne17 I love this… Also its fun that non white wine drinkers get to tell me… Still buying a couple cases.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2022 Abbot’s Passage Chenin Blanc Field Blend - $30 = 21.42%
This sounds just up our alley for a summer sipper. I’ll do the 1+1 thing again (1 now, 1 later). The Dao we got a couple weeks ago was fine with the heat.
What is the residual sugar? I like em dry…
Really intrigued by the varietal combination, both of which I love. Curious how the oak will impact what I normally would have assumed would be an unoaked wine. Wine Enthusiast appears to have given the 2016 vintage of this a 91. Certainly worth a shot at this price point, especially with the $10 coupon. In for a case.
/giphy auspicious-innate-vodka
Totally legendary. Cut my teeth on Bundschu cabs in very early 90’s from sampling them at the San Jose Mercury News wine competition. This time, the name drop totally worked. How can’t I go for this.
We are enjoying this wine, but every single cork breaks when opening…completely crumbles.
@edcintx
Do you at least have an ahso?
Or better yet a Durand or clone thereof?