VINEYARD Cerise
CLONES Wente
ORIENTATION Southwest
TRELLISING Quad Cordon
SOIL Wolfey-Bearwallow
FERMENTATION 100% barrel fermented
OAK Barrel aged 16 months in 26% new French oak
ALCOHOL 13.4%
pH 3.46
TA 6.20 g/L
AROMA
Exotic fruit tones of lemon zest, Asian pear, and lychee. Nuanced, with great complexity.
PALATE
An elegant and sophisticated wine with refined richness. A soft spice enhances the fresh notes of honeysuckle and almond, with a light floral finish.
Over the past quarter-century, the Anderson Valley has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines, and Cerise as one of the valley’s most preeminent vineyards. Rising from 587 to 1,620 feet, its steep, unforgiving terrain results in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence.
Originally planted with Pinot Noir in 1997, a selection of vines were grafted to Chardonnay in 2013. Grown on a south-west facing slope, this striking expression of Anderson Valley Chardonnay comes from the coolest section of Cerise Vineyard. Aromas of lychee, Asian pear, and lemon verbena leap from the glass, while the palate displays a silky, sophisticated complexity. Light flavors of exotic fruit balance notes of minerality, citrus zest, and wildflowers that linger upon the thoughtful finish.
The incredible location has had a history of producing top-ranking wines, and we feel humbled to have the opportunity to farm this site.
Fact of Note: Heavy soils increase water retention and maturation
SIXTY-FIVE MILES NORTH OF OUR winery in Sebastopol, CA, is the critically-acclaimed little-known AVA of Anderson Valley. Over the past quarter-century, this region has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines.
The Estate property, the Cerise Vineyard, is our focal point for the valley. We’ve been long-time fans of the region and are thrilled to be winegrowers here ourselves. Perched on the hills above Boonville in Mendocino County, these 26 blocks planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay cascade over elevations running from 587 to 1620 feet. The warm, sunny days and cool, foggy nights and mornings of the area coupled with unforgiving terrain result in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence.
