VINEYARD El Diablo
CLONES Wente
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Spreckles loam, Felta very gravelly loam
FERMENTATION 100% native barrel ferment
OAK 15% new French oak / 33% new Austrian oak / aged 17 months
ALCOHOL 13.0%
AROMA
Grapefruit blossoms and lemongrass blended with aromas of singed Meyer lemon peel and subtle notes of cedar.
PALATE
Textural and dense with purity, lift and elegance.
Planted in 2008 and farmed with careful techniques, the El Diablo Vineyard is young and full of potential. Perched on the eastern edge of the Russian River Valley appellation with 500 ft. elevation, this site enjoys ideal weather to grow Chardonnay. Mornings bring a cool marine layer that is later broken up by a couple hours of warm sunlight. Gravelly loam soil combined with tight row spacing between vines helps to further reduce vigor and encourage the competition for nutrients among the vines. The result is low yields with intense, flavor-packed-clusters.
Fact of Note: Our first use of puncheons, 500L oak barrels.
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.
