VINEYARD Zio Tony, El Diablo, Keefer Ranch, Charles Ranch, Flora Marie, Ritchie, Bootlegger’s Hill, Winner’s Circle
CLONES Hyde, Wente, Montrachet, Robert Young, 95, 548
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge
FERMENTATION 73% barrel, 27% foudre
ÉLEVAGE 21% new French oak for 14 months, 28% wood cask for 8 months, 7% new Austrian oak for 14 months, prior to bottling 100% stainless steel for 4 months
ALCOHOL 13.5%
pH 3.25
TA 6.25 g/L
AROMA
Vivid citrus notes of lemon and lime zest, pear, fresh honeysuckle and custard crème brûlée delight as a brilliant minerality envelops the senses.
PALATE
A dichotomy of rich and lean with bright acidity and focused structure. Pure fruit and a mesmerizing mid-palate precede a long, nimble finish.
Celebrating the cool-climate character and complexity of California’s most revered winegrowing regions, our Appellation Series wines are a study in terroir with soulful elegance and energetic intensity.
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 all 100% native primary and malolactic fermentations, which adds depth and complexity to the finished wine. From its rich yet lean and focused structure to the vivid notes of citrus, honeysuckle, and crème brûlée, this wine has a vivacious acidity and is worth the wait.
Fact of Note: Throughout élevage, the lees were occasionally stirred to develop a rich mouthfeel.
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.
