Growing Conditions
Coming from special vineyard sites, our Chardonnays show great depth of flavor, length of finish, aromatic complexity, and a fine balance between richness and delicacy. Typically, the climate is cool and the soil vigor low, producing graceful yet vibrant wines.
Our 2013 Russian River Chardonnay is 38% from four different Dutton ranches (Perry, Mengle, Sebastopol & Mill Station); 17% from Martinelli’s Laughlin Road Vineyard; 13% from King Vineyard; 13% from four Rochioli vineyards (Allen, Mid-40, River, Hill); 10% from Forchini Vineyard; 5% from Westside Farms; and 4% Frostwatch.
2013 summed up to be a perfect vintage with clear sunny days and cool evenings. This produced a long, moderate growing season with extended hang time and even ripening, resulting in a full range of flavors while retaining natural acidity.
Bottling
This wine was then bottled without filtration in February, 2015.
Winemaking
We press the whole clusters for delicacy. Native-yeast and full native malolactic fermentation take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage.
Aging
Our appellation Chardonnays are given less new oak—14% percent in 2013—and spend less time in barrel—twelve months–than the single-vineyard Chardonnays, but otherwise are made identically. After aging in barrel 12 months, it is fined and stabilized in tank during the following harvest.