VINEYARD Cerise, Anderson Valley AVA
CLONES Wente
ORIENTATION North East / South West
TRELLISING Quadrilateral Cordon
SOIL Yorkville-Squawrock-Withrell complex
FERMENTATION 100% barrel, 100% whole cluster pressed
ÉLEVAGE 54% new French oak for 11 months, then 100% of the blend was aged for an additional 7 months in stainless steel
ALCOHOL 14.2%
pH 3.4
TA 5.86 g/L
AROMA
Sophisticated aromas of white peach and dried apricots accompanied by a subtle herbaceous note that awakens the senses.
PALATE
Intertwining tactile acidity with luxurious notes of baking spice, this Chardonnay creates a harmonious synergy that gracefully glides on the palate, culminating in a poised and persistent finish.
Established in 1997, Cerise Vineyard features steep, unforgiving hillsides rising from 600 to 1,600 feet and rocky terrain that naturally limits yields. As one of Anderson Valley’s premier vineyards, its distinctive wines eloquently combine a thought-provoking wildness with soaring flavors and a soulful palate.
This Wente clone Chardonnay was 100% whole cluster pressed and bottled unfiltered. On the palate, it effortlessly balances tactile, acidic energy with notes of white peach, baking spice, and a subtle herbaceous note as it glides to a poised and persistent finish. The remarkable depth and density of this Chardonnay embodies the spirit that is uniquely Cerise.
Fact of Note: Cerise Chardonnay was the second to last vineyard to be harvested from our Estate Series.
SIXTY-FIVE MILES NORTH OF OUR winery in Sebastopol, CA, is the critically-acclaimed little-known AVA of Anderson Valley. Over the past quarter-century, this region has emerged as the source for some of California’s most distinctive wines.
The Estate property, the Cerise Vineyard, is our focal point for the valley. We’ve been long-time fans of the region and are thrilled to be winegrowers here ourselves. Perched on the hills above Boonville in Mendocino County, these 26 blocks planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay cascade over elevations running from 587 to 1620 feet. The warm, sunny days and cool, foggy nights and mornings of the area coupled with unforgiving terrain result in thought-provoking wines that combine a rustic spirit with stunning energy and opulence.
