2018 Cerise Vineyard Chardonnay

Complex and Vibrant

Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combines a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Originally planted with Pinot Noir in 1997, a selection of vines were grafted to Chardonnay in 2013. Grown on a south-west facing slope, this striking expression of Anderson Valley Chardonnay comes from the coolest section of Cerise Vineyard.

Bountiful aromas of quince, sharp lemon curd, and lime zest leap from the glass, while the palate displays a complex interaction between the acidity and textural richness. Subtle flavors of ripe peaches and lightly toasted almond linger upon the nuanced finish.

Fact of Note: 80% fermented and aged in foudre.

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2017 Cerise Vineyard Pinot Noir

Fine Grit and Rustic

Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Pinot Noir blocks sit on the eastern side of the valley, facing west, 16 miles from the coast. There is not a single block on flat ground.

Carefully harvested over five weeks from vineyard blocks ranging in elevation, this is a beautifully complex and cerebral wine. There is a freshness of bright cherry and strawberry aromas, underscored by subtle notes of vanilla bean and herbes de Provence. On the palate, a sleek acidity and fine tannins add structure and tension to the enticing berry and spice flavors, drawing the wine to a polished finish.

Fact of Note: Elevation difference in the vineyards caused a 5-week spread in pick.

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2017 Cerise Vineyard Pinot Noir

Fine Grit and Rustic

Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Pinot Noir blocks sit on the eastern side of the valley, facing west, 16 miles from the coast. There is not a single block on flat ground.

Carefully harvested over five weeks from vineyard blocks ranging in elevation, this is a beautifully complex and cerebral wine. There is a freshness of bright cherry and strawberry aromas, underscored by subtle notes of vanilla bean and herbes de Provence. On the palate, a sleek acidity and fine tannins add structure and tension to the enticing berry and spice flavors, drawing the wine to a polished finish.

Fact of Note: Elevation difference in the vineyards caused a 5-week spread in pick.

Listen to the Sound of This Wine

Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Pinot Noir blocks sit on the eastern side of the valley, facing west, 16 miles from the coast. There is not a single block on flat ground.

Carefully harvested over five weeks from vineyard blocks ranging in elevation, this is a beautifully complex and cerebral wine. There is a freshness of bright cherry and strawberry aromas, underscored by subtle notes of vanilla bean and herbes de Provence. On the palate, a sleek acidity and fine tannins add structure and tension to the enticing berry and spice flavors, drawing the wine to a polished finish.

Fact of Note: Elevation difference in the vineyards caused a 5-week spread in pick.

2018 Cerise Vineyard Chardonnay

Complex and Vibrant

Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combines a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Originally planted with Pinot Noir in 1997, a selection of vines were grafted to Chardonnay in 2013. Grown on a south-west facing slope, this striking expression of Anderson Valley Chardonnay comes from the coolest section of Cerise Vineyard.

Bountiful aromas of quince, sharp lemon curd, and lime zest leap from the glass, while the palate displays a complex interaction between the acidity and textural richness. Subtle flavors of ripe peaches and lightly toasted almond linger upon the nuanced finish.

Fact of Note: 80% fermented and aged in foudre.

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2018 Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard Chardonnay

An Unmatched Treasure in Russian River

Like many of California’s most celebrated vineyards in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. The ranch has six varieties of Pinot Noir clones and features two blocks of Chardonnay planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. The Chardonnay lies on the northern edge of the vineyard. This portion gently slopes toward a backdrop of redwoods, collecting cool air, and is the perfect location to grow this variety.

Though vines were first planted on the site in 2009, the bulk of the vineyard was planted the following year. Made exclusively from the famed Hyde clone of Chardonnay, this wine is lively and energetic with a show-stopping palate, gorgeous richness, and depth. Racy acidity complements the poise and purity of flavors, including vibrant grapefruit and lemon peel with captivating notes of minerality.

Fact of Note: Leaf plucking was done on the shaded side of the rows to allow for more sun exposure and even ripening.

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2018 Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir

An Extraordinary Natural Masterpiece

Like many of California’s most celebrated vineyards located in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. Surrounded by redwoods and firs, the cool climate and well-drained Goldridge soils of this revered site keep crops small, adding intensity, elegance, and enticing flavors to both our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Though the ranch features two blocks of Chardonnay, it is dominated by Pinot Noir clones planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. Bountiful options of rootstock and various pruning methods within the vineyard make for a beautifully layered and interesting wine. From its spherical structure on the palate to flavors of pristine red fruit, there is an effortless harmony to this wine. Aromas of red cherry and strawberry jam emerge from the glass with subtle notes of roses and singed crème brûlée, while understated tannins and a hint of oak lead to a remarkably long finish.

Fact of Note: Blend made up of eight different clones and blocks across the vineyard.

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2018 Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard Chardonnay

An Unmatched Treasure in Russian River

Like many of California’s most celebrated vineyards in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. The ranch has six varieties of Pinot Noir clones and features two blocks of Chardonnay planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. The Chardonnay lies on the northern edge of the vineyard. This portion gently slopes toward a backdrop of redwoods, collecting cool air, and is the perfect location to grow this variety.

Though vines were first planted on the site in 2009, the bulk of the vineyard was planted the following year. Made exclusively from the famed Hyde clone of Chardonnay, this wine is lively and energetic with a show-stopping palate, gorgeous richness, and depth. Racy acidity complements the poise and purity of flavors, including vibrant grapefruit and lemon peel with captivating notes of minerality.

Fact of Note: Leaf plucking was done on the shaded side of the rows to allow for more sun exposure and even ripening.

Listen to the Sound of This Wine

2018 Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir

An Extraordinary Natural Masterpiece

Like many of California’s most celebrated vineyards located in the iconic Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill was once an apple orchard. Surrounded by redwoods and firs, the cool climate and well-drained Goldridge soils of this revered site keep crops small, adding intensity, elegance, and enticing flavors to both our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Though the ranch features two blocks of Chardonnay, it is dominated by Pinot Noir clones planted in the region’s hallmark sandy loam Goldridge soils, derived from an ancient seabed. Bountiful options of rootstock and various pruning methods within the vineyard make for a beautifully layered and interesting wine. From its spherical structure on the palate to flavors of pristine red fruit, there is an effortless harmony to this wine. Aromas of red cherry and strawberry jam emerge from the glass with subtle notes of roses and singed crème brûlée, while understated tannins and a hint of oak lead to a remarkably long finish.

Fact of Note: Blend made up of eight different clones and blocks across the vineyard.

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2018 Treehouse Vineyard Pinot Noir

Rich with Intricacy, a Russian River Valley Classic

Eight miles from the Pacific Ocean, at an elevation just above the coastal fog, our 14- acre Treehouse Vineyard is set in the heartland of the Russian River Valley. Previously, this land was used for grazing cattle, which means there was no need for a source of water. To this day, water must be carted up to the vineyard to water the vines which were first planted in 2006. Bounded by cypress trees and majestic redwoods, this site is a natural masterpiece, shaped by sun-kissed days and unique iron-rich soils that create a Pinot Noir with profound depth and complexity.

Treehouse Vineyard produced a brilliant Pinot Noir in 2018, with seductive aromas of juicy black cherry, ripe, wild brambleberry and holiday spices. Brilliant flavors of red cherry and dark pluots bloom upon the medium-bodied palate, framing a cohesive, lingering finish.

Fact of Note: Blend made up of 9 small ferments using 3 different fermentation vessels.

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2017 Cerise Vineyard Pinot Noir

Fine Grit and Rustic

Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence. Pinot Noir blocks sit on the eastern side of the valley, facing west, 16 miles from the coast. There is not a single block on flat ground.

Carefully harvested over five weeks from vineyard blocks ranging in elevation, this is a beautifully complex and cerebral wine. There is a freshness of bright cherry and strawberry aromas, underscored by subtle notes of vanilla bean and herbes de Provence. On the palate, a sleek acidity and fine tannins add structure and tension to the enticing berry and spice flavors, drawing the wine to a polished finish.

Fact of Note: Elevation difference in the vineyards caused a 5-week spread in pick.

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Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our 2019 Appellation Series wines showcase what can be achieved from iconic sites in an exceptional vintage. Intricately structured with soaring flavors, this is a vintage not to miss.

Sixty-five miles north of our winery in Sebastopol, CA is the critically-acclaimed little-known AVA of Anderson Valley. This rural, unparalleled location has had a history of producing world-class wines, and we are thrilled to release the second vintage of this Appellation Series blend. We sourced from varying elevations of our Estate Vineyard, Cerise, showcasing the upper reaches of Anderson Valley, as well as from Ferrington Vineyard on the valley floor and Gowan Creek.

To capture the rustic beauty of Anderson Valley and retain freshness, the wine was fermented in stainless steel, further creating a strikingly wild and exotic Pinot. Aromas of juicy blackberry, black cherry, bramble, and Earl Grey tea showcase the wine’s inherent opulence complemented by an uplifting acidity. Vibrant fruit and spice flavors continue on the palate, drawing to a long, memorable finish.

Fact of Note: First time sourcing from Gowan Creek.

Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our 2019 Appellation Series wines showcase what can be achieved from iconic sites in an exceptional vintage. Intricately structured with soaring flavors, this is a vintage not to miss.

There are many differences between vineyards in this small appellation, but the majority of them do share a common influence – the cooling effect that follows the Russian River inland from the Pacific coast. The resulting fog helps keep nights cool and offers vines a respite from daytime temperatures. In turn, these diurnal temperature swings slow down ripening and promote more evolved flavors in our grapes.

Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work with many great vineyards that span a diverse and varied view into a region that many would call the heartland of California Pinot Noir. Our goal is to create a wine that showcases the essence of this magical appellation. No matter the vintage, there are often fresh red fruit characteristics, a recognizably full mouthfeel, and texture to the wines from the area – a common thread to the components of this blend.

Fact of Note: New Rousseau wood fermenters were used.

THE RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY IS hallowed ground for lovers of great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Here, the vines are submersed in clockwork fog and daytime temperature swings, which preserve the natural acidity essential to elegant, age-worthy wines. We work with a handful of the most beloved vineyards from this remarkable wine region considered by many to be the heartland of California Pinot Noir.

Within Russian River Valley, in a town tucked away from the main roads, you’ll find a community ranging from writer to artisan. The town of Graton is an area where local winemakers and growers take a respite and enjoy some of the many popular yet under-the-radar restaurants. During harvest, the little town is full of life and bustling.

Planted in 2008, El Diablo Vineyard has an average elevation of 500 feet. This tightly spaced vineyard encourages competition between the vines for a fixed amount of nutrients, resulting in reduced yields and exemplary quality.

Minimal cellar intervention and impressive terroir combine to create a wine that is both opulent and elegant. Crafted from the famed Montrachet and Robert Young clones, this is one of the finest Chardonnays we have ever produced, combining remarkable tension and length with an almost weightless sense of richness. In the winery, we aged 52% of the wine for 11 months in large-format foudres before transferring it to 60-gallon French oak barrels to impart a leesy richness. The result is as delicious as it is complex, with riveting layers of lychee, lemon zest, brioche, honeycomb, apple blossom, and crème brulée.

Fact of Note: First Single Vineyard pick of the 2018 vintage.

Planted in 1989, on steep and rugged land surrounding an abandoned Carmelite monastery, Mt. Carmel was one of the first vineyards planted in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. Primarily dry-farmed, Mt. Carmel is extremely cool and windy. This, combined with exceptional Botella clay and limestone soils, produces a wine that is as intricate and dynamic as it is alluring.

Combining five elite clones and made with 43% whole cluster, it has a superb, terroir-driven structure, seductive tannins, and an underlying tensile acidity. On the palate, pure, vibrant flavors of raspberry, blueberry, cacao nibs, and dried herbs coalesce around an energetic core before culminating in a long, resonant finish.

Fact of Note: Inaugural vintage of Mt. Carmel in the Single Vineyard Series.

Widely recognized as one of California’s greatest vineyards, Pisoni helped to make the Pinot Noirs from the Santa Lucia Highlands among the most coveted in the state. Reaching elevations of 1,300 feet and featuring granite and sandstone soils, as well as a southeastern exposure, the site always yields a dramatic wine, with incredible color and concentration. The 45 planted acres here are divided into small blocks that follow the contours of the mountains. The lean, decomposed granite soils are well-drained, stressing the vines and forcing their roots deep into the earth in search of water and nutrients.

While the 2018 vintage is undeniably rich and robust, it carries its power with flowing grace and energy as it reveals layers of blood orange, Damson plum, kiwi, and chaparral. Beautifully structured and with an uncommonly long and poetic finish, it is a benchmark wine from a legendary vineyard.

Fact of Note: Part of the Pisoni Vineyard was planted in 1982.

Established in 1997, Garys’ Vineyard is a partnership between the acclaimed Franscioni and Pisoni winegrowing families. Though located just a couple of miles south of Rosella’s Vineyard, Garys’ yields its own profoundly unique expression of Pinot Noir. Like the two Garys who founded it, this luxurious wine is larger than life.

Crafted from the Pisoni clone and clone 23, with 18% whole cluster used during fermentation, it is an epic Pinot, with savory undertones and seductive flavors of brambly blackberry, dark cherry, honeysuckle, and hints of dark chocolate, sage, and lavender.

Fact of Note: Vineyard planted in 1997 with vines now over 20 years old.

Planted by legendary winegrower Gary Franscioni in 1996 and named after his wife, Rosella’s Vineyard features the coveted Pisoni clone and is situated in the northernmost part of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Strong wind and fog off Monterey Bay ensure a long, temperate growing season in this region.

To accentuate this wine’s most graceful qualities, it was fermented with 5% whole cluster and aged in a modest 34% of new oak barrels. As the wine opens, cascading flavors of raspberry and rose petal mingle with delicate undercurrents of orange blossom and lemon zest, with supple, integrated tannins drawing the wine to a gentle, lingering finish.

Fact of Note: Most northern & coolest vineyard we source from within Santa Lucia Highlands.

THE STA. RITA HILLS IS located between the towns of Buellton and Lompoc in Santa Barbara County. A critical component for this region’s success is its cool climate and the purely East/West mountain range, whose maritime mouth funnels coastal fog and wind to the vines. This unique orientation, coupled with exceptional Botella clay and limestone soils, produces wines that are as focused and bright as they are alluring.

Before you hit the Sta. Rita Hills, stretch your legs and explore the various hotels, restaurants, parks, and shops of the quaint town of Buellton. Now famous after making its silver screen debut in the movie Sideways, you can relive the film by visiting one of the many charming eateries and must-go spots when in the area.

THE SONOMA COAST, WHICH OVERLAPS with the Russian River Valley and stretches all the way to the windswept edge of the Pacific Ocean, has emerged as a hub for cool-climate wines. The vineyards are planted using the finest modern clones and viticultural techniques and have rapidly earned the region acclaim for producing some of the world’s most extraordinary Pinot Noirs.

A deserving pitstop along the Sonoma Coast is the picturesque town of Bodega. Made famous by Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” this little town is also known for incredible food from talented chefs focused on local, seasonal brilliance.

THE SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS IS recognized for producing some of California’s most powerful yet intricate and impeccably balanced Pinot Noirs. Perched upon the East-facing terraces of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the vines are consistently cooled by wind and fog drawn from the depths of Monterey Bay.

Within this region is the city of Salinas, an agricultural town surrounded by fruit and vegetable growers with a comprehensive climate blended of coastal breezes and sun that is ideal for grape-growing. There are plenty of favorite local hangouts to discover if you make the stop. The BBQ is truly magical and worthy of a detour in and of itself.

SIXTY-FIVE MILES NORTH OF OUR winery in Sebastopol, CA, is the critically-acclaimed little-known AVA of Anderson Valley. Over the past quarter-century, this region has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines.

The Estate property, the Cerise Vineyard, is our focal point for the valley. We’ve been long-time fans of the region and are thrilled to be winegrowers here ourselves. Perched on the hills above Boonville in Mendocino County, these 26 blocks planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay cascade over elevations running from 587 to 1620 feet. The warm, sunny days and cool, foggy nights and mornings of the area coupled with unforgiving terrain result in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence.

Planted in 1996, and located 8 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Kanzler Vineyard is recognized as one of the jewels of the Sonoma Coast. While we have been making a Single Vineyard bottling from this site since 2002, today, with vines averaging more than 20 years of age, Kanzler is a vineyard in all its glorious prime.

Sophisticated with an elegant spherical quality, the 2018 Kanzler Pinot Noir offers a fresh, finely woven structure, with dazzling layers of blueberry, boysenberry, red apple, and raspberry tart, with hints of lemon thyme, honey, mint, and earth.

Fact of Note: Aged three months in cask before bottling.

Planted in 1996 and featuring an array of elite clones, the dry-farmed Keefer Ranch is located in the coolest part of the Russian River Valley, where wind and fog lengthen the growing season and produce one of our most refined and graceful Pinot Noirs. We began working with this site in 2005 in collaboration with the legendary Marcy Keefer.

In the winery, we used an array of fermentation vessels to showcase different aspects of this remarkable vineyard. The resulting wine offers strawberry, rhubarb, and boysenberry flavors that are fresh and precise, with plush tannins and radiant acidity adding to this wine’s elegant expressiveness.

Fact of Note: The wine is made up of 7 different clones from a selection of blocks throughout the vineyard.