Enfield’s Spring release dropped yesterday! Is anyone else ordering?
I joined their mailing list earlier this year based on WB feedback and recommendations while exploring some lower alcohol wines. John was very friendly and engaging welcoming me in and offered some older vintage wines not available on their website based on my preferences.
At this point I’ve only tried their Citrine Chard, so can’t broadly comment on wine quality, but I very much enjoyed the vibrant Citrine at a fabulous QPR. I’ve been looking for Chenins and CA Cab Francs that don’t break the bank. Enfield’s spring release has both of these, including a Jurassic Park Chenin.
Notes from their offer email-
2019 Jurassic Park Chenin Blanc, $30
Santa Ynez - sandy marine limestone, 12.0% Alc. - 1,800 bottles produced - 20 ppm SO2 added.
From the famous X2 Block of Jurassic Park Vineyard, own-rooted Chenin Blanc vines planted in 1978.
The 2019 Chenin is one of the most memorable wines we have produced. It captures the energy and verve of these low yielding old vines, with a rare combination of flavor and acidity. There is no skin contact on the 2019 - it went direct to press and the juice was kept as pristine as possible, with almost no sulfites needed to keep this wine incredibly fresh. It is explosively aromatic, high acid, and fully stimulating on the palate with intensity and drive.
sea salt, peach blossom, ginger, grapefruit pith, driving finish
Drink Now - 2026
2020 Foot Tread Rosé, $26
90% Pinot Noir / 10% Grenache, Carignan, Tempranillo
12.9% Alc. - 660 bottles produced
The 2020 Rosé had a wild ride. Intended to be a 50/50 blend of Pinot and Cab Franc, the Cab Franc was compromised by smoke from the wildfires, and the Pinot produced such a tiny crop that there was barely enough juice to fill a single 500L puncheon. Wine evaporates during fermentation, so to keep the puncheon full it was topped with a small amount of fresh juice every time new grapes arrived at the winery.
Accordingly - the 2020 is 90% pretty, 10% wild. Lacy, playful aromatics and the delicate palate of Pinot Noir are accented by a more rustic savory spice. It is a one of a kind wine that will be impossible to replicate.
watermelon, pink apple skin, Turkish delight, lemon zest, spearmint, sage, long mineral finish
Drink Now - 2023
2019 XB03 Cuveé Lizzie Cabernet Franc, $36
Waterhorse Ridge Vineyard - Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast, mixed volcanic soils, 100% whole cluster - 12.9% Alc. - 600 bottles produced
My sister’s favorite wine is a spicy, earthy Loire Valley Cab Franc. A few years back we planted a small block of of Cab Franc out at Waterhorse Ridge, and in 2019 we got the first TINY crop off the vineyard. I decided to honor the first fruit off the baby vines and make a wine dedicated to her.
The 2019 Cuveé Lizzie references the Loire Valley in all the right places. It was fermented 100% whole cluster and spent minimal time in barrel to capture the fresh earth tones. Bright fruit is balanced by an explosion of soft, savory, umami goodness that begs for a picnic and a good cheese board. Your friends will all think it’s “French”!
deep cherry, white pepper, maitake mushrooms, freshly turned earth, pine needles, medium weight lingering finish
Drink Now - 2026
2019 XB04 Stained Glass, $32
California - Deep Sandy Soils. 40% Grenache / 35% Carignan / 25% Tempranillo, 100% Whole Cluster - 13.4% Alc. - 600 bottles produced
I have wanted to make this wine for a few years now. Stained Glass marks our first exploration into the grapes of southern Spain, and the name references the deep sand of Contra Costa and Lodi where these grapes are grown.
The 2019 Stained Glass is a wine of of softness, juiciness and richness of fruit. Garnacha is the driver here, partnered with its Priorat compatriot Carińena and a touch of Tempranillo. It is energetic, boisterous and red fruited in the glass, saturated in color and flavor, yet transparent. The power of fruit framed crisply by sandy soils.
raspberry tea, rose petal, cocoa dust, graphite, soft tannins and a mouth coating finish
Drink Now - 2026
Does anyone have experience drinking the Jurassic Park Chenins?
I went out on a limb and ordered a full allocation of the JP Chenin and Lizzie CF (I’ve a major soft spot for Chinon). Also picked up bottles of the other 2 to sample.