Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc ~ Viognier

I have to admit that I am a creature of habit. Although I love trying new things...especially new wines...I tend to have difficulty giving up things that are tried-and-true. Take my summer white wine drinking habit for example. Once I fell head over heels for Geyser Peak's Sauvignon Blanc (which you can still purchase at Safeway for $8.99/bottle after discounts), I've pretty much had an open bottle of it laying around nonstop.

On a whim, I picked up a bunch of new whites to try. One of them is certainly a "keeper"...Pine Ridge's Chenin Blanc/Viognier blend is simply fantastic. At ~$10/bottle (loving my Safeway for that discount again), it's a steal. What I like best about it is how different it is from the clean & crisp acidic characteristics that I enjoy from Sauv Blancs. For those that aren't familiar with Viognier, it's usually smells pretty floral, and is smooth with lots of fruit...almost sweet. I'm admittedly not that familiar with Chenin Blanc, but the balance that this wine from Pine Ridge has is excellent! Another $10/bottle that I will surely have an open bottle of in the fridge for years to come.