This pale cuvée dazzles a silvery hue in the sunlight as you swirl it in the glass. The aromas are classic Chenin, with Verbena and citrus, clover honey, and Casaba melon. The crisp palate is juicy with honeysuckle and Rainer cherry flavors underscoring the integrated acidity with a generous fruit-driven center. The finish is layered with mineral, wet stone, lemon zest, and Key Lime with pear grit and sweet passionfruit essence while finishing bone dry.
It’s hard to believe, but we built our company in 1997 on credit cards and some help from family. Like many young, ambitious entrepreneurs we set out to challenge the status quo and earned a reputation as young Turks in an industry of Titans. This label was created as a light-hearted poke at an emerging Chardonnay market that turned its back on Chenin Blanc. It is still our belief that Chenin Blanc (when made well) rivals some of the greatest white wines in the world. This wine was made from cool climate grapes, stainless steel fermented and aged for 9 months Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah… REDISCOVER CHENIN BLANC! This unique crisp white wine is made from the noble Chenin Blanc grape most prominent in the Loire Valley of France. We found an exceptional vineyard farmed by Ken Wilson in Clarksburg California (a third-generation farmer) who agreed to sell us the grapes on a handshake. Today this same vineyard is being farmed by Ken’s nephew David Ogilvie and so the tradition carries on to the 4th generation. Wilson Farms was established in 1921 by George Wilson. This is our 25th vintage of Chenin Blanc from this vineyard. Part of what makes Clarksburg a special appellation is the cooling trend that comes in from the San Francisco Bay every day at about 3:30 pm and sweeps the heat out of the valley floor which allows the grapes to maintain their natural acidity. I like to say this is a reverse cooling trend in that moderation (of heat) comes in the afternoon rather than the early mornings as it does on the coast.
This wine is best finely chilled whether enjoyed poolside on its own or with an accompaniment. It’s ideal with oysters on the half shell or any shellfish from fresh blue crab from the Chesapeake Bay or Dungeness crab from San Francisco, or day boat scallops from Maine. Ideal with roasted and chilled beet salads with goat cheese and toasted Hazelnuts or baked goat cheese tarts with sun-dried tomato and a mesclun salad with champagne vinaigrette.
Vinum Cellars specializes in world-class wines made not just by hand, but with heart. As steadfast advocates of sustainable practices, we collaborate exclusively with farmers who follow sustainable farming methods, ensuring that the vineyards yield the finest fruit through environmentally conscious techniques.
Vinum Cellars was founded in 1997 by first generation, California family winemakers Richard Bruno and Chris Condos in Napa Valley financing their dream on credit cards. Their focus was then, and remains searching California’s coastal vineyards and special microclimates in search of the best vineyards grown by the state’s best growers. The long-term partners consider their humble roots in the development of products and mandate that each wine offer a considerably high quality-to-price ratio. What this means is each wine is literally hand-crafted from single vineyards and made with a small lot philosophy. From Coastal Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Vinum makes varietal wines from single vineyards and appellations throughout California.
The result is a portfolio of exquisite, eco-friendly wines that not only please the palate but also exemplify our unwavering passion for the art of winemaking and the well-being of our planet.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2022 Vinum Cellars Chenin Blanc - $20 = 15.38%
Before y’all get all excited over that reference to an 89 point review from Wine Enthusiast slow down and don’t hit that buy button yet…that review is for the 2021, not this 2022…oh the travesty…
But wait…don’t give up on the buy button yet, here are some current notes (7/23) from reverse wine snob:
One of our favorite producers is back with a new vintage of a seriously good, single vineyard, Old Vine Chenin Blanc. Today’s Insider Deal is the 2022 Vinum Cellars CHENIN.
This wine was previously called the CNW (Chard-No-Way) Cuvee, but in 2021 was re-branded simply as CHENIN. The 2022 we are offering here today continues that naming, along with introducing a new label - but don’t worry as this is still the same delicious, Old Vine, 100% Chenin Blanc from Block 44 of the Wilson Vineyard in Clarksburg, California.
The wine is fermented in stainless steel. Only 1,500 cases of this beauty were produced.
The 2021 earned 89 points from Wine Enthusiast and we scored it similarly at 89-90 points. We like the 2022 even a bit better so we’ll put it at the high end of that range at 90 points. (We couldn’t find any outside reviews on the 2022 yet.) Normally retailing for right around $18 a bottle, it’s a really solid value even at that price.
The 2022 Vinum Cellars CHENIN opens with plenty of apple, melon and citrus on the nose, plus some tropical fruit, peach and a bit of a honeysuckle note. It’s a fresh, snappy and very inviting start!
Taking a sip reveals a tasty and refreshing wine with tangy, juicy fruit similar to the nose and even a bit of minerality underneath. Smooth and with good acidity, this is a great alternative to an unoaked Chardonnay. Compared to the 2021, I’d say the 2022 is a a bit brighter and features more tropical fruit. It’s very good.
A touch of honey lingers on the lips on the dry, very long, lip-smacking finish. This is not only seriously good, but it’s also quite food friendly too!
@kaolis I am not sure of the etiquette here - is it in good form for you to provide his rating, and what price it was offered at (as that affects his rating)?
It was being sold for $11.66 per bottle, plus $10 per order shipping.
The prices here are lower, and I was curious if they would make enough difference to move the wine up to Bulk Buy. But no, at the (less expensive) prices here, the wine would remain Highly Rated.
Hidey Ho, Casematers, this is lab rat Erisire coming back from a lovely trip to Baltimore where I watched the Dolphins get absolutely slaughtered to our disappointment, and ate oysters and crab until I burst. Upon my return, I was handed a surprise bottle from Alice!
I was thrilled to drown my sorrows in a Chenin Blanc, a personal favorite. We ordered chinese from our favorite place (me: egg drop and wonton soup with an egg roll, him: fried rice; dessert was ice cream from the ninja creami we got for christmas).
I initially did the wine a disservice and served it too cold, around 46 degrees. It did much better from a 55 degree fridge.
I found a lovely light straw colored wine with notes of mineral and grapefruit in the nose. In the mouth it’s well rounded with floral and citrus notes - less grapefruity and more yuzu.
Stainless steel has done this wine a service, and i loved the pairing with the soup and egg roll. I wish I’d had it with the seafood I had in Maryland!
This has a lovely tart passion fruit, mineral, and yuzu on the midpalate, very refreshing, with a very clean finish.
Now that I see the price point, I think this is a must buy for summer drinking, or for the white lovers among us. A case for me, for sure.
Hello, this is Richard Bruno from Vinum Cellars. Yes I can confirm the 2022 Chenin Blanc is dry at 0.13g/L. It is unfortunate that some Chenin Blancs have residual sugar, but I think the best ones are dry and are from single vineyards. Check and check.
@Bruno_Winemaker many world-class Chenins have some RS, especially from the Loire Valley. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, especially if the wine is really high in acid . . .and many of these seem to age better than those that are bone dry . . .
@tercerowines - sure there are. I simply meant to state ours is dry and from a single vineyard. I have had many Loire Chenin Blancs as my curiosity for the varietal spans more than 12 years prior to becoming a winemaker and certainly throughout the over 28 vintages I have made Chenin Blanc domestically. Again these are points of differentiation. I’m sure you would agree that there are domestic Chenin Blancs in my competitive set that are mass produced as well as sweet and done so in my opinion to mask some defects (not to compliment their low acidity). Most of the Loire Chenin Blancs I have been inspired by are well above my price point yet are also from single AVAs, single vineyards, small, independent producers like Vinum Cellars. And since we are referencing them (Loire Chenin Blanc), this offering is a great reminder that this varietal and in fact this specific wine represents. Thanks for you comment and opportunity to clarify. Richard
Unexpected family trip to Las Vegas so review will be brief.
Short version: if you enjoy clean, zippy sauv Blanc with tropical notes then this is a no brainer
A bit longer version: wine pours ver clear almost water-like and has a pleasant nose that reminds me of wine county: clean and fresh field flowers? Taste is similar with medium low flavors of peach and maybe lychee? No perceptible alcohol and goes down way too easy. A definite spring/summer porch pounder IMO
great QPR
Thank you Alice and WD for the opportunity to share our notes!
2022 Vinum Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg
89 Points ~ Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$216.00/Case for 12x 2022 Vinum Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg at Vinum Cellars
About The Wineries
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jan 22 - Tuesday, Jan 23
2022 Vinum Cellars Chenin Blanc
6 bottles for $64.99 $10.83/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $109.99 $9.17/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2022 Vinum Cellars Chenin Blanc - $20 = 15.38%
Before y’all get all excited over that reference to an 89 point review from Wine Enthusiast slow down and don’t hit that buy button yet…that review is for the 2021, not this 2022…oh the travesty…
But wait…don’t give up on the buy button yet, here are some current notes (7/23) from reverse wine snob:
One of our favorite producers is back with a new vintage of a seriously good, single vineyard, Old Vine Chenin Blanc. Today’s Insider Deal is the 2022 Vinum Cellars CHENIN.
This wine was previously called the CNW (Chard-No-Way) Cuvee, but in 2021 was re-branded simply as CHENIN. The 2022 we are offering here today continues that naming, along with introducing a new label - but don’t worry as this is still the same delicious, Old Vine, 100% Chenin Blanc from Block 44 of the Wilson Vineyard in Clarksburg, California.
The wine is fermented in stainless steel. Only 1,500 cases of this beauty were produced.
The 2021 earned 89 points from Wine Enthusiast and we scored it similarly at 89-90 points. We like the 2022 even a bit better so we’ll put it at the high end of that range at 90 points. (We couldn’t find any outside reviews on the 2022 yet.) Normally retailing for right around $18 a bottle, it’s a really solid value even at that price.
The 2022 Vinum Cellars CHENIN opens with plenty of apple, melon and citrus on the nose, plus some tropical fruit, peach and a bit of a honeysuckle note. It’s a fresh, snappy and very inviting start!
Taking a sip reveals a tasty and refreshing wine with tangy, juicy fruit similar to the nose and even a bit of minerality underneath. Smooth and with good acidity, this is a great alternative to an unoaked Chardonnay. Compared to the 2021, I’d say the 2022 is a a bit brighter and features more tropical fruit. It’s very good.
A touch of honey lingers on the lips on the dry, very long, lip-smacking finish. This is not only seriously good, but it’s also quite food friendly too!
fwiw
@kaolis I am not sure of the etiquette here - is it in good form for you to provide his rating, and what price it was offered at (as that affects his rating)?
@bdb @kaolis Welcome to Casemates! Outside ratings and prices are routinely discussed here - no breach of etiquette, but good of you to check.
@kaolis @rpstrong
Well, in July 2023, RWS said:
2022 VINUM CELLARS CHENIN
Taste: 8 (90 points) Cost: 7
OVERALL RATING: 7.8
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
It was being sold for $11.66 per bottle, plus $10 per order shipping.
The prices here are lower, and I was curious if they would make enough difference to move the wine up to Bulk Buy. But no, at the (less expensive) prices here, the wine would remain Highly Rated.
Hidey Ho, Casematers, this is lab rat Erisire coming back from a lovely trip to Baltimore where I watched the Dolphins get absolutely slaughtered to our disappointment, and ate oysters and crab until I burst. Upon my return, I was handed a surprise bottle from Alice!
I was thrilled to drown my sorrows in a Chenin Blanc, a personal favorite. We ordered chinese from our favorite place (me: egg drop and wonton soup with an egg roll, him: fried rice; dessert was ice cream from the ninja creami we got for christmas).
I initially did the wine a disservice and served it too cold, around 46 degrees. It did much better from a 55 degree fridge.
I found a lovely light straw colored wine with notes of mineral and grapefruit in the nose. In the mouth it’s well rounded with floral and citrus notes - less grapefruity and more yuzu.
Stainless steel has done this wine a service, and i loved the pairing with the soup and egg roll. I wish I’d had it with the seafood I had in Maryland!
This has a lovely tart passion fruit, mineral, and yuzu on the midpalate, very refreshing, with a very clean finish.
Now that I see the price point, I think this is a must buy for summer drinking, or for the white lovers among us. A case for me, for sure.
@erisire
Would you say that there was any perceptible sweetness? Thanks for your notes.
@chipgreen No, there wasn’t.
@erisire sorry about your Dolphins. 49ers took an L from them too.
@erisire happy to be a travel guide on your next potential visit to my dear B’more. #charmcitybunny
Most of the Chenin Blancs I have tried had some level of sweetness. Can someone from the winery provide the RS percentage?
@chipgreen Tasting note above says “…finishing bone dry.” Previous renditions of this were also described as bone dry or austere
@chipgreen Winery reports Residual Sugar bone dry at 0.13g/L
@kaolis
I did see that but it was preceded by “sweet passionfruit essence”.
@chipgreen you’re saying this wine note thing isn’t an exact science?
@chipgreen Chip, do you drink your coffee black? My guess is yes . . .
/giphy wacky-uniform-weather
Hello, this is Richard Bruno from Vinum Cellars. Yes I can confirm the 2022 Chenin Blanc is dry at 0.13g/L. It is unfortunate that some Chenin Blancs have residual sugar, but I think the best ones are dry and are from single vineyards. Check and check.
@Bruno_Winemaker
Thanks for your response!
@Bruno_Winemaker many world-class Chenins have some RS, especially from the Loire Valley. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, especially if the wine is really high in acid . . .and many of these seem to age better than those that are bone dry . . .
@tercerowines - sure there are. I simply meant to state ours is dry and from a single vineyard. I have had many Loire Chenin Blancs as my curiosity for the varietal spans more than 12 years prior to becoming a winemaker and certainly throughout the over 28 vintages I have made Chenin Blanc domestically. Again these are points of differentiation. I’m sure you would agree that there are domestic Chenin Blancs in my competitive set that are mass produced as well as sweet and done so in my opinion to mask some defects (not to compliment their low acidity). Most of the Loire Chenin Blancs I have been inspired by are well above my price point yet are also from single AVAs, single vineyards, small, independent producers like Vinum Cellars. And since we are referencing them (Loire Chenin Blanc), this offering is a great reminder that this varietal and in fact this specific wine represents. Thanks for you comment and opportunity to clarify. Richard
Does anyone have any other questions? Happy New Year and thank you for considering a purchase in support of our small, independent winery.
Did not need any … but … rats, and Richard’s participation - had to get some.
@woopdedoo Ditto. Damn rats.
/giphy unsuitable-bouncy-hippopotamus
Unexpected family trip to Las Vegas so review will be brief.
Short version: if you enjoy clean, zippy sauv Blanc with tropical notes then this is a no brainer
A bit longer version: wine pours ver clear almost water-like and has a pleasant nose that reminds me of wine county: clean and fresh field flowers? Taste is similar with medium low flavors of peach and maybe lychee? No perceptible alcohol and goes down way too easy. A definite spring/summer porch pounder IMO
great QPR
Thank you Alice and WD for the opportunity to share our notes!
/giphy slate-mistaken-rooster
/giphy updated-wonderful-rat
/giphy magnanimous-trendy-lion
Thank you Rats and for the vintner participation! Looking forward to trying this one out.
/giphy cluttered-callous-kite