VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill, Russian River Valley AVA
CLONES Hyde, Hudson
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge fine sandy loam
FERMENTATION 100% barrel, 100% whole cluster pressed
ÉLEVAGE 45% new French oak for 11 months, then 100% of the blend was aged for an additional 8 months in stainless steel
ALCOHOL 14.2%
pH 3.32
TA 6.13 g/L
AROMA
Enchanting notes of Meyer lemon, Key lime, and lilac with a subtle hint of warm spice.
PALATE
Multifaceted layers of Asian pear and white peach harmonize with an underscore of minerality, creating a vibrant, acid-driven finish.
Planted in 2009, our 30-acre Bootlegger’s Hill Estate Vineyard sits above the fog line at an elevation of 750 feet. Rooted in the ancient seabed soils of the Russian River Valley and crafted from the famed Hyde and Hudson clones, this vineyard has become the source of exquisite wines recognized for their luxurious purity and graceful balance.
We meticulously farmed our Estate vineyard by leafing the vines to optimize ripening conditions, extenuating the purity of the Chardonnay grapes, and then bottle the wine unfiltered to preserve its full nuance and charm. In the glass, it dazzles, weaving together subtle notes of warm spice, dried apricot, and a refreshing minerality, a tribute to the very essence of the terroir. It is stunningly expressive with a sleek, acid-driven finish.
Fact of Note: The Bootlegger’s Hill Chardonnay was harvested just 5 days prior to the Pinot Noir.
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.
