A New Wine for Dracaena Wines – 2020 Chenin Blanc
Their name Dracaena (pronounced druh-see-nuh) is a longer story, but suffice it to say, it started off as a memory of their beloved Weimaraner, which they had named Draco. You can read the complete story on their website. Draco’s hand drawn image appears on all their bottles.
Michael and Lori Budd are the owners who “fell in love with Cabernet Franc”. While today still working full time jobs, they are planning their future in the wine business down the road. They purchased property in Arroyo Grande, near Pismo Beach, and use a custom crush house to produce their wine. Their grapes come from The Plummer Vineyard in Paso Robles. Mike and Lori’s backgrounds are primarily in Food Science and they originally met back on the East Coast while working. Lori who has since continued her education as a WSET II with distinction, is a regular blogger, holds various certifications on wine and is an award winning writer and podcaster on a variety of wine subjects. Both Michael and Lori are co-founders of International Cabernet Franc Day, December 4th. Today besides producing their Reserve Cabernet Franc, they produce a Rosé (Grenache & Tempranillo) and just released their 2020 Chenin Blanc. Their wines have won a tremendous number of awards including the 2017 Reserve Cabernet Franc receiving a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
See a previous written story on Dracaena Wines at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2020/01/14/dracaena-wines-a-david-verses-goliath-story/
2020 Dracaena Wines Chenin Blanc
The grapes come from the Wilson Vineyards, located in Clarksburg AVA (just north of Lodi/Acampo). The soil conditions of the delta are similar to Loire Valley in France where some of the best Chenin Blancs are produced. Dracaena uses a blend of stainless steel and neutral oak barrels in their production.
This wine on the eyes is a very pale straw color and medium viscosity. On the nose, green apple and a light lemon citrus waft into the senses. On the palate, besides the lemon, honeydew and peach embrace your continuing sips. This lip smacking wine from the acidity also provided a soft minerality finish. This is a very dry Chenin Blanc with high acidity and great with “delicate foods”. This was paired with a lemon broccoli chicken and a fresh garden salad with chunky Blue cheese dressing. The price on their website shows $26.00/per bottle.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 
May 25, 2021 at 11:17 am
Thank you Michael for your post about our Chenin Blanc. I am so happy you enjoyed it. It really has been greeted with such praise. Our customers have truly enjoyed it. We knew Clarksburg was the correct place to make quality Chenin.
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