Ovum Pinot Blanc Cedar Ranch 2022

baked Fuji apples, fresh apricots, lanolin, candied lemon peel and toasted popcorn kernels

I was surprised to see a Pinot Blanc in the lineup from Ovum. Personally I find it a very uninteresting variety, with all the dimension of white paint on white canvas, but was intrigued that they would produce one. Sure enough, this is one of the finest examples I have ever experienced and it lives up to the Ovum reputation.

The Cedar Ranch Vineyard is also the source for Off The Grid Riesling (see below) growing in the Rogue Valley. This site was planted on a fire road, not paved, so the only way to access it is by ATV. It was planted 25 years ago and the soils are serpentine, which is magnesium rich and adds an interesting quality to the wines. Fermentation took place in concrete egg then the wine was aged in chestnut casks.

I suggest decanting this wine to help boost the aromatics. When you do it offers a beguiling combination of baked Fuji apples, fresh apricots, lanolin, candied lemon peel and toasted popcorn kernels. On the palate this wine is dry, with impressive concentration and a long, savory finish. This is a very serious Pinot Blanc in line with great Chardonnay. Drink 2023-2025 with crab claws or pork tenderloin stuffed with cornbread and rosemary. Only 115 cases were produced.