VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill
CLONES Hyde
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 100% barrel fermented 62% fermented in new Stockinger Puncheons
OAK 62% aged in new Austrian oak, 9% new French oak for 16 months
ALCOHOL 13.5%
pH 3.26
TA 7.00 g/L
AROMA
Vibrant aromas of lemon curd, honeycomb and jasmine are balanced by a pleasant, flinty lift.
PALATE
Tantalizing and bright, with racy acidity. Notes of citrus peel, sweet green apple and oyster shells are illuminated.
Like many of California’s most celebrated vineyards located 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 in 2010. Made exclusively from the famed Hyde clone of Chardonnay, this wine is vibrant and energetic with elegant aromas of lemon curd, jasmine, and a pleasant hint of flinty minerality. A beam of racy acidity complements the silky poise and purity of flavors, including bright citrus, sweet green apple, and fascinating notes of oyster shells.
Fact of Note: Picked over two weeks.
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.
