We received the product for review and all opinions are our own.
Jimi Hendrix said it best… “Oooh, foxy lady, I’m coming to get ya!” What a song and mental image, but is being foxy always a good thing? When it comes to hybrid grapes for wine, not necessarily. One thing that holds many people back from truly loving hybrid grapes is the foxy note you get with a lot of hybrids, and Blanc du Bois is definitely not immune to this. Texas has been marching forward and leading the way producing high quality Blanc du Bois. If grown properly and made the right way, it can certainly trick a few palates into thinking, wow, what a lovely Sauvignon Blanc. Personally, I have had several Texas Blanc du Bois that have genuinely let me down, but also a few that have truly turned my head. The bottle up for review this week is a head turner in my opinion. Not only because it is cleanly made, but the style is a bit surprising and it is far different from the current trend in Texas. It is a wine that gets you thinking.
Crump Valley Vineyards has been getting some really positive press over the last several years as people are bragging about the quality of the wines produced there, and I felt a little left out having not tasted anything from their wine portfolio until recently. Despite the sheer size of the Lone Star state, there is never an excuse to miss out on a wine from any Texas winery; Crump Valley Vineyards is no exception. Now, on to the review!
I will start by saying the label is simple and elegant. Take notice this wine is labeled “Special Reserve,” not something you typically see on a Blanc du Bois label. The cork is of high quality which is always a good thing. The cork was tugged away from its temporary home and the wine poured into the glass, a brilliant straw color. As the glass is swirled, notes of grapefruit, peach, caramel, buttered toast, and herbs all jump into the air. The palate confirms the nose almost identically, and the mouthfeel is where the oak barrels really begin to show up to the party. I have to be honest, the barreling is a little overdone here, but those of you who enjoy a big oaky/buttery texture will most likely enjoy this wine. It finishes with a brawny strength, yet smooth texture, and lingers for some time.
Specifications:
- Crump Valley Vineyards Blanc du Bois, Special Reserve, 2012 vintage
- Winemaker: Travis Crump
- Appellation: Texas
- Grape varieties: Blanc du Bois
- Barrels: 18 months in French oak barrels
- Clarity/brightness: Clear/bright, with no detectable flaws and no evidence of gas or sediment
- Tannins: N/A
- Acidity: Medium plus
- Alcohol: Medium
- Finish: Long
- Alcohol by volume: 13.1%
- Retail price: $15.99 (at time of review)
What a wine folks, a very different style of Blanc du Bois here in Texas. Some might say yikes, too much oak. I say why not, what a refreshing change of pace for a Texas white wine. I do hope Crump Valley Vineyards continues to produce this style of wine on a yearly basis. We need more full bodied, muscular Blanc du Bois to show everyone this grape variety can handle oak barrels, and also provide a wine that along with being powerful, also retains good acidity and fruit character.
Sip, savor, and enjoy my fellow aficionados.
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