2022 Inglenook Napa Valley Rutherford Blancaneaux

Blancaneaux is Inglenook’s flagship white wine, a luminous counterpoint to the estate’s legendary reds and a pure expression of its historic Rutherford terroir. The 2022 Inglenook Napa Valley Rutherford Blancaneaux blends three Rhône varieties into a refined, vibrant white that balances richness with remarkable freshness. Named after the Coppola family’s Blancaneaux Lodge in Belize, this cuvée has become one of Napa Valley’s benchmark Rhône-style whites since its debut in 1999.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Blancaneaux shows a bright, pale to medium golden hue, hinting at both concentration and energy. The nose opens with inviting aromatics of acacia honey and white peach, layered with pomelo zest, delicate blossom, and a subtle, stony minerality. With air, more nuanced notes emerge—pear, apricot, and a gentle hint of almond cream. On the palate, the wine is fresh and precise, with a beautifully clean line of flavor. The Viognier brings stone-fruit generosity and floral lift, while Marsanne contributes mid-palate weight and texture, and Roussanne adds structure and a savory, mineral edge. Citrus and pomelo tones keep the wine lively, while a persistent, saline-tinged minerality carries it through a long, aromatic finish. Enjoyable now for its vibrant fruit and purity, Blancaneaux also has the balance and structure to develop additional complexity over the next 5–7 years under proper cellaring.

Production
Sourced from Inglenook’s historic Rutherford estate in the heart of Napa Valley, Blancaneaux is shaped by well-drained, gravelly and alluvial soils that promote concentration and finesse, along with Rutherford’s warm days and cooling evening breezes. The 2022 blend is composed of 40% Viognier, 37% Marsanne, and 23% Roussanne—three classic Rhône varieties that respond particularly well to this terroir. Grapes are carefully harvested by hand at optimal ripeness to preserve aromatic intensity and natural acidity. In the cellar, the varieties are vinified with great precision under the direction of winemaker Philippe Bascaules (who is also Managing Director of Château Margaux), with gentle pressing, temperature-controlled fermentation, and a judicious élevage designed to enhance texture and complexity without overwhelming the wine’s purity or mineral drive.

Food & Serving
Blancaneaux’s combination of aromatic richness and crisp, mineral backbone makes it a versatile partner at the table. It pairs beautifully with dishes like grilled or poached white fish, lobster with herb butter, seared scallops, roast chicken with citrus and thyme, or Mediterranean-inspired plates featuring fennel, olives, and fresh herbs. It also works well with mildly spiced Asian cuisine and creamy soft cheeses. Serve at 10–12°C (50–54°F) to highlight both aroma and structure. A brief decant of 15–20 minutes, or simply opening the bottle a little before serving, can help the wine unfurl its full aromatic complexity.

Producer
Inglenook is one of Napa Valley’s most storied estates, founded in 1879 by Finnish sea captain Gustave Niebaum, who played a pioneering role in introducing and elevating varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon in the region. His legacy was carried forward by his heir, John Daniel Jr., whose exacting standards helped cement Inglenook’s reputation as a producer of some of Napa’s finest wines. Revitalized under the stewardship of the Coppola family, Inglenook has returned to its historic name and grand cru ambitions, with winemaker Philippe Bascaules bringing world-class expertise from Château Margaux. Today, Inglenook’s wines—including its Cabernet Sauvignon and Blancaneaux—are distributed via the prestigious Place de Bordeaux alongside icons such as Harlan, Insignia, and Opus One, underscoring the estate’s significance on the global fine-wine stage.

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