VINEYARDS El Diablo, Keefer Ranch, Laguna Valdez, Ritchie, Zio Tony, Rued, Charles Ranch, Heintz
FERMENTATION 12% Foudre / 6% Concrete tanks, 82% French Oak
ÉLEVAGE 26% New French Oak for 14 months / 25% Stainless Steel tank for 5 months / 12% aged in Foudre for 14 months / 10% Concrete tank for 8 months / 2% Concrete egg for 14 months
ALCOHOL 13.8%
pH 3.3
TA 7.0 g/L
AROMA
Meyer lemon with hints of honeycomb and orange blossom. Oyster shell, wet stone with a kiss of struck flint.
PALATE
Rich with acidity and elegance. Textural with an everlasting finish.
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 coolest parts of the Russian River Valley. Here, fruit is allowed to mature gracefully on the vine, which we find offers us more intensely focused flavors and generous natural acidity.
This vintage, we sought more freshness and focus through the use of concrete to age an increased percentage of the finished wine. We feel this allows certain vineyards to show more of their true character so that the finished wines preserve more of their charm. Every grape hits Hwy 116 to get here.
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.
