Nose
Bright fruity notes of peach and lemon zest combine with rich aromatic aromas of vanilla, nutmeg and toasty oak.
Palate
The full bodied palate with rich flavors gives way to a long and elegant finish.
Growing Conditions
The Russian River Valley is formed by the eponymous river which cuts through the rugged Coast Range Mountains. This creates a passageway for the cool afternoon sea breezes and evening fog, which flow inland before eventually spreading out onto the Santa Rosa Plain. It is also an ideal climate for growing Chardonnay as the cooling influence preserves the grapes’ natural acidity and crisp fruit flavors.
Mild growing conditions during spring and summer. Slightly warmer fall bringing grapes to full ripeness in late September.
Winemaking
The grapes for this Chardonnay were hand picked in the pre-dawn hours and whole-cluster pressed at the winery. After settling overnight, the juice was racked off the solids and yeast was added. 48 hours later when the yeast were just becoming active, the juice was racked into French oak barrels for fermentation. After the primary alcoholic fermentation was complete, the barrels underwent a secondary malolactic fermentation that softened the wines flavor and gave it a slight buttery note. The barrels were aged sur lie for seven months, undergoing battonage or stirring every two weeks to add body and yeasty notes.
Aging
Sur lie aged for 7 months.
Food Pairing
Pan-seared Halibut with Herb Butter, Risotto with Spring Vegetables, Sauteed Chicken with Wild Rice.
