VINEYARDS Ritchie, El Diablo, Bootlegger’s Hill, Heintz, Flora Marie, Winner’s Circle, Keefer Ranch, Zio Tony
CLONES Hyde, Wente, Montrachet, Robert Young, 95, 548
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 78% barrel / 22% foudre
ÉLEVAGE 27% new French oak for 14 months / 22% wood cask for 12 months / 14% new Austrian oak for 14 months Prior to bottling: 47% stainless steel for 4 months
ALCOHOL 13.5%
pH 3.32
TA 6.2 g/L
AROMA
Gorgeous mélange of quince, green apple, pear, and persimmon balanced by undertones of toast and delicate oak.
PALATE
Pure varietal characteristics with a balanced richness and bright acidity.
Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our 2019 Appellation Series wines showcase what can be achieved from iconic sites in an exceptional vintage. Intricately structured with soaring flavors, this is a vintage not to miss.
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 the vines a well-deserved break from daytime temperatures. The collection of famous Chardonnay vineyards that we work with for this wine are located in the coolest parts of the Russian River Valley. Here, fruit can mature gracefully on the vine, which we find offers us more intensely focused flavors.
Individual pressed lots were fermented in barrel or foudres, all 100% native primary and malolactic fermentations, which adds depth and complexity to the finished wine. With brilliant clarity and a bouquet of green apple, pear, and persimmon aromas, this radiant Chardonnay makes a stunning first impression. The palate strikes a lovely balance between richness and bright acidity, with succulent orchard fruit flavors and a kiss of French oak carrying the wine to a long, shimmering finish.
Fact of Note: Five weeks between first and last pick.
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.
