VINEYARD Boudreaux, Charles Ranch, El Diablo, Keefer Estate, Laguna Valdez, Ritchie, Woosley, and Zio Tony.
HARVEST August 20 – September 22 2014
FERMENTATION 92% barrel fermented (228 liter barriques), 8% concrete tank
OAK 42% new French oak / 12 months
ALCOHOL 14.58%
pH 3.32
TA 6.8 g/L
BOTTLING DATE November 30, 2015
AROMA
Granny Smith apple, tangerine, flint, dried kiwi.
PALATE
Tarte tatin, grippy tannin, minerality, kiss of oak, beeswax texture, dried tropical fruits.
The marine influence that follows the Russian River inland from the Pacific coast is a powerful attribute of this region. The fog helps keep nights cool and offers vines a break from daytime temperatures. The famous Chardonnay vineyards that we work with for this wine are from the the coolest parts of the Russian River Valley. Here, fruit is allowed to mature a little more gracefully on the vine, which we find offers us more intensely focused flavors and generous natural acidity. Our direction for this vintage was driven by a desire to explore the diversity of soils that these vineyards possess. The minerality of certain lots shone brightly we worked to preserve those qualities in the finished wine.
Every grape hits Hwy116 to get here.
Fact of Note: Vineyards showcase the cooler parts of the appellation.
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.
