Lussier Chenin Blanc Green Valley 2020

Little was known about this burgeoning brand when we first featured Lussier's Côte de Boont Pinot Noir in the Pulse club in 2021. Even a Google search still brings up few results, so like diligent wine "journalists," we went straight to the source and spoke to G.W. Lussier himself. And, we can report that the winemaker is just as lovely as his wines and incredibly excited about launching his first white wine.

G.W. grew up in the Napa Valley, and despite his proximity to the wine industry, he never envisioned a career in wine for himself. Instead, inspired by the tragic events of 9/11, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as an infantry officer, Airborne paratrooper, and Ranger before his first tour in Iraq as a rifle platoon leader. After his first deployment, he traveled to Champagne for two weeks, exploring and discovering the delicious wines made on nearly every block. Learning about vineyard management and seeing the farmers and winemakers working hard in Champagne, he realized that he had a deep love and passion for wine. After a final deployment in Afghanistan in 2014, G.W. left the military and ventured back home to the Napa Valley to pursue a career in the wine industry. In 2015, on a hot summer evening, while playing bocce, an opportunity arose to work as a cellar intern at Pahlmeyer. From there, he continued his wine education at Williams Selyem where he helped craft renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Despite the back-to-back 14-hour days that harvest demands in the cellar, G.W. was inspired to launch his brand. This drive became so fierce that he left one of the most prestigious cellars in California to take a job at Moshin Vineyards. This custom crush facility would allow him to manage their cellar and make his brand on the side. Thus, Lussier Wine Co. was born.

Green Valley, nestled within Solano County, is a tiny hidden gem of a wine region. At a proud one mile wide and four miles long, Green Valley boasts many old vine plantings, including the 40-year-old Chenin Blanc vineyard that provides the grapes for this wine. Nestled between the Vaca and Mount George ranges, this valley's soils are predominately conejo clay loam, a soil type distinct to Northern California. The well-draining soil, cool bay breezes off the San Pablo, and moderate temperatures create an ideal grape-growing climate. Being such a well-kept secret, Green Valley has been under the radar for many years, but not for much longer as up-and-coming winemakers like G.W. craft such tasty and intriguing wines.

G.W. produced only 3 barrels of his debut Chenin Blanc. After the mid-August harvest, the wine was pressed, fermented, and racked into 100% neutral oak barrels. The Chenin rested for ten months in barrel before bottling. Lussier's focus is evident in this wine, with bracing acidity and lingering mineral finish showcasing Green Valley's microclimate benefits. The wine is reminiscent of a cup of chamomile tea with honey on the nose, and the palate refreshes with a bite of crisp, green apple and under-ripe pear. So crack open a bottle of Lussier Chenin Blanc, shuck a dozen fresh oysters, and enjoy those seemingly never-ending summer evenings. You'll thank us later.