VINEYARD El Diablo, Russian River Valley AVA
CLONES Montrachet, Wente, Robert Young
ORIENTATION North / East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge soil
FERMENTATION 100% barrel
ÉLEVAGE 65% new French oak for 14 months, prior to bottling 100% stainless steel for 3 months
ALCOHOL 13.5%
pH 3.19
TA 6.83 g/L
AROMA
Expressive, fresh, and spirited, offering sliced green apple and lemon zest aromas complemented by a touch of apricot.
PALATE
Bursting with layers of orchard fruit, Meyer lemon, and a note of salinity, all supported by electric acidity that carries through a long finish.
Planted in 2008, El Diablo Vineyard has an average elevation of 500 feet. This tightly spaced vineyard encourages competition between the vines for a fixed amount of nutrients, resulting in reduced yields and exemplary quality.
Our 2020 El Diablo Vineyard Chardonnay was crafted from the famed Montrachet, Robert Young, and Wente clones, grown in ideal Goldridge soils. Aged for 14 months in 65% new French oak barrels, it is a fresh, zesty, and intensely aromatic Chardonnay with hints of sea spray salinity. On the palate, compelling layers of sliced green apple, Meyer lemon, fleshy apricot, and ripe orchard fruit are underscored by an electric energy that carries the flavors to a sleek and silky finish.
Fact of Note: The Robert Young clone was split between two individual lots to accentuate the texturally rich and intense body of 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.
