This was PNP and tasted in Grassl tasting glasses over a 3 day period. I liked it most on Day 1 because of the hint of flinty reduction which was more subdued on Days 2 and 3.
2019 I. Brand & Family Melon de Bourgogne- USA, California, Central Coast, Chalone (11/11/2020)
Not as lean or a bright as a ‘Briords’ but very enjoyable. Slightly reductive on the nose, with some seashells and fruit. There is balancing acid carrying all the way through the medium finish. There is nore fruit on the palate than most Muscadet I’m used too, which to me is shouting California but its still only 11.2% ABV. It’s not at all flabby or anything, but it’s doesn’t seem as lean and bright as my benchmarks. There is a lot of flavors packed into this 11.2%. A little pricier compared to my benchmarks, but I’m glad a bought a few to sample, compare, and assess. This is also probably the first new world Melon de Bourgogne I’ve tried. Another nice wine from Ian Brand. Need to put this blind side by side with some of my benchmark Muscadets and see how it unfolds.
Thanks for the note, Sean. I’ve been impressed with what this wine has been doing. It’s probably relevant to say that, because Chalone is nothing like Muscadet, we weren’t at all trying to reference Melon’s home turf. We made this wine with 5 days on skins, then barrel fermented and aged on lees for seven months. Due to the terroir and the skin, it’s decidedly broader than typical Muscadets, but has a subtle brawniness that I enjoy. Like many skin contact wines, it was pretty shut down after bottling, and only recently decided to start singing. I’m really interested to see where it goes in 6-12 months.
The presence of Melon de Bourgogne in Chalone is a funny story about a mixup in genetics, from there Melon spread across Oregon, though many, like the Chalone Vineyard, still call it Pinot Blanc. Dick Graff’s Pinot Blancs were legendary, but also 14.5 alcohol and very broad.
Thanks for the context Ian. Its a lovely wine and and I look forward to revisiting it in the future. Made it down to your tasting room the morning after Ascona and as usual your staff is exceptional. Truly nice people do find you!
