Give credit to Ballentine for sticking by this variety even when it’s such a hard sell. It’s a good wine, crisp and minerally, with sweet Pinot Grigio-like citrus, vanilla and spice flavors.——S.H.(8/1/2011)—— 86

Ballentine consistently makes one of the best Chenins in California, and while this 2009 seems rushed to market, it’s a good alternative to Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Shows bright, zesty acidity framing citrus, green bean and wildflower flavors, and the finish is totally dry. ——S.H.(6/1/2010)—— 87

This has been one of the best, most consistent bottlings of Chenin Blanc in California, and Ballentine deserves credit for sticking with it. The wine is a fine alternative to Sauvignon Blanc, dry, crisply acidic, and rich in citrus, spearmint, pepper and Asian pear flavors.——S.H.(10/1/2009)—— 90

Always an interesting, exotically offbeat wine, Ballentine’s ’07 is particularly crisp and savory. It’s showing pineapple, green apple, tangerine, fig, vanilla and honey flavors that finish with a clean, dry streak of minerality. Very nice as an alternative to Viognier or Sauvignon Blanc.——S.H.(6/1/2008)—— 87