VINEYARD Cerise
CLONES Wente
ORIENTATION North East / South West
TRELLISING Quad Cordon
SOIL Wolfey-Bearwallow
FERMENTATION 80% fermented and aged in a horizontal foudre for 16 months, then moved to a barrel for an additional 2 months
ÉLEVAGE 9% new French oak for 18 months
ALCOHOL 13.4%
pH 3.47
TA 6.1 g/L
AROMA
Bountiful citrus aromatics entice the senses with expressions of lime zest, fresh peach, and toasted almonds. Refined notes of lavender and sage add to the dynamic appeal.
PALATE
Ripe peaches and lightly toasted almond complement the nuanced tension of acidity and round, textural richness.
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 combines 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.
Bountiful aromas of quince, sharp lemon curd, and lime zest leap from the glass, while the palate displays a complex interaction between the acidity and textural richness. Subtle flavors of ripe peaches and lightly toasted almond linger upon the nuanced finish.
Fact of Note: 80% fermented and aged in foudre.
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.
