VINEYARD Ritchie Vineyard, El Diablo, Russian River Valley AVA
CLONES Montrachet, Robert Young, Wente
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 75% barrel, 25% oak foudre
ÉLEVAGE 52% new French oak, 24% neutral oak for 14 months, 24% oak cask/foudre for 18 months
ALCOHOL 14.3%
pH 3.32
TA 6.88 g/L
AROMA
Enticing aromas of crème brûlée, orange blossom, and brioche.
PALATE
Precise acidity with notes of lemon curd create a captivating mid-palate, while well-integrated oak adds depth to an elegant finish.
Ritchie Vineyard boasts a rich history, spanning over four decades of meticulous farming, culminating in the creation of a “Grand Cru” site renowned for its intensity and natural acidity. In contrast, El Diablo offers a newer perspective on quality winemaking. With tightly spaced vines fostering competition for nutrients, El Diablo yields wines with exceptional depth and concentration.
The 2019 Eastside Road Chardonnay beautifully represents these two distinct expressions of California’s winemaking heritage. Comprising 75% from Ritchie Vineyard and 25% from El Diablo, this blend showcases notes of crème brûlée, orange blossom, lemon curd, and brioche, each reflecting the unique terroir of its origin. On the palate, precise acidity and richness create a strong mid-palate, while well-integrated oak adds incredible depth, resulting in a wine that is as intriguing as it is elegant.
Fact of Note: 75% of the blend is from Ritchie Vineyard and 25% is from El Diablo.
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.
