2020 RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY CHARDONNAY

Vineyard Notes

Composition

Chardonnay

Varietal Origin

100% Russian River Valley

Alcohol Content

14.5%

Residual Sugar

2.3 g/L

Titratable Acidity

5.3 g/L

Ph

3.49

Vintage Comments

The 2019 growing season in the Russian River Valley was excellent. Generally warm and evenly paced, these exceptional growing conditions delivered high quality fruit into the cellar. The season began with plentiful winter rains and a cool spring that delayed budbreak. Though late May rains delayed spring development, they provided ample water resources for the vines through the season. A consistently warm and steady summer emerged by June, encouraging canopy growth and allowing fruit to ripen slowly. Vines developed clean, healthy clusters with rich, complex flavours and excellent structure. Cool temperatures late in the season preserved the fruit’s excellent acidity. Harvest began later in the year, allowing our viticulturists to bring in fruit at optimal ripeness with bright character and exquisite complexity.

Winemaking

The grapes for this Chardonnay were hand harvested the fruit at 22.5 to 24 Brix. The grapes were gently pressed and the free run and press juice were fermented separately. Each lot was barrel fermented in 100% French oak, 18% of which was new. Weekly bâtonnage was conducted during a three month long malolactic sur lie fermentation. Aged for nine months in barrel, the wine developed nuanced spice and toast notes, complementing but not overpowering the classic Russian River Valley fruit characteristics. Each vineyard, block and clone were kept separate until blending.

Tasting Notes

Our Russian River Valley Chardonnay showcases the best of this classic cool climate region. Aromas of honeysuckle, tangerine and lightly toasted oak hint toward the complexity and structure of this appealing Chardonnay. The silky smooth wine offers weight and brightness, full through the middle with a lingering finish that deftly balances sweet oak notes with crisp, refreshing acidity. Notes of mango and baked yellow apple on the palate blend with citrusy pomelo and mandarin characteristics, while subtle suggestions of graham cracker, vanilla and a kiss of butterscotch add intriguing depth. Enjoy this alongside hazelnut crusted black cod over wild rice or an appetizer of prosciutto wrapped honeydew. For a cheese pairing, try White Stilton topped with dried apricots and a drizzle of honey.