VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill
CLONES Hyde selection of Wente
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 100% Native Barrel fermentation
OAK 50% New French Oak for 15 months / 2 months in stainless steel
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.25
TA 6.8 g/L
AROMA
Alluring and bright, with gentle hints of oyster shell, lanolin, kumquat and lemon crème.
PALATE
Precise and broad mouthfeel, with notes lemon blossom, baking spice, and a textural complexity that lingers.
The 2016 growing season was relatively smooth for our team, offering virtually no surprises during harvest. After the drought and resulting lower yields of 2015, we welcomed a healthy amount of rain, yet this was still one of the lowest yielding years for Chardonnay, averaging 1.5 tons per acre.
Once an apple orchard and a region used to cart moonshine through during Prohibition, the 30-acre Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard sits 750 feet above sea level and the fog line, surrounded by redwood and fir trees. 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 sea bed. 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 in 2010. Selections of the Wente Chardonnay clone from the famous Hyde Vineyard makes this small-lot Chardonnay even more special. To retain the delicate aromatics, the Chardonnay was made by utilizing 100% native barrel fermentation with cold temperatures.
Fact of Note: 100% native barrel fermentation.
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.
