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Goldback Wines 2020 Chenin Blanc
He finally found a place to plant roots
It all started with a short 17-minute trip up the hill – but before long, Andy Myer was circling the globe.
It was a Craigslist ad that first caught his attention. Cristom Vineyards needed a tasting room assistant, and Andy Myer needed help paying for that environmental science degree at Willamette University. Before long, he was hooked on wine.
Rather than go to winemaking school, Andy schooled himself on the job. After Oregon, New Zealand. Back to Oregon, then Australia. Then Washington and California. Along the way, an Oregon wine bar. Then, buy wine for a popular Italian restaurant in Sonoma.
All that travel? Andy was training his palate, discovering terroir, and learning winemaking from professionals. And he was also looking for a place to plant his own roots. The winner? Southern Oregon.
After all, Southern Oregon is ready to step onto the global stage, but it’s not there yet. Andy is determined to push the region to new heights – producing Rhône style wines that are becoming a signature style in the Rogue Valley. Just watch, soon the world will be traveling to visit Andy Myer at Goldback Wines.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Goldback Wines, Ashland, Oregon
2020 Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is one of those cult varietals. Winemakers love it, consumers love it, but it is hard to find — especially here in Oregon. In fact, we’ve only featured two other Chenin Blancs and those were years ago!
I have a love/hate relationship with Chenin Blanc. It can be really almond-y, almost like marzipan, which is not my favorite flavor. So, I struggle with the hype. But the minute I tasted this one from Andy Goldback, I was hooked!
Aged for six months in a combination of stainless steel and neutral oak barrels helps the wine retain its freshness and stay away from the marzipan notes. It is also aged on the lees, giving it a gorgeous creamy texture.
You’ll find aromas of honeyed pear and melons on the nose mixed with orange and persimmon. The nice thread of acidity keeps this wine interesting and lingering on your tongue!
A Cellar 503 selection in July 2021, Spotlight on Southern Oregon Rogue Valley | Chenin Blanc
