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Aperture Cellars 2020 Chenin Blanc North Coast 12.1% $30
This is an incredibly rich wine to be only 12.1% in abv. It's deep yellow in color and rounded and broad on the palate with a generous oiliness. The acidity is also very moderate for such a low alcohol wine. Smelling of yellow tomatoes and dusty oatmeal, the nose is subtle. The palate tastes similarly and adds light apple-y notes. The finish is brief and papery dry. A bit plain and not showing much varietal character, it is still a decently pleasant white wine. The barrel fermentation and lees influence really overtake the varietal character without adding substantial complexity.
Drink: 2021-22 

Winemaker Jesse Katz began this venture in 2009, just before I originally met him in 2011 when he took on the winemaking at Lancaster Estate and Roth. Jesse's focus at Aperture is more on reds, and those are certainly worth a look as well as his other white, a Sauvignon Blanc. (I have not tasted those wines.)