Continuing the celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting two new favorite releases of our assistant winemaker Carolina Guerra! Carolina works hand in hand with her mentor, winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen to produce wines of uncommon character and complexity. She is dedicated to continuing to learn and grow, including currently working towards her Winemaking Certificate at the renowned UC Davis Oenology program.

Carolina invites you to experience these two extraordinary new releases—the energetic and lush 2022 Russian River Valley Chardonnay and the 94-point stunner 2021 Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley. Join us in raising a glass of one of these gems to Carolina!

Through March 31st, enjoy 10% savings + 1¢ shipping on 6+ bottles or $15 ground shipping on 3-5 bottles of Carolina’s top wine picks!⁣

Why do you love these wines?

2022 Russian River Valley Chardonnay-I love this wine because it is so expressive on the palate and yet very delicate. Its aromas unfold in layers of citrus, green pear, and subtle hints of yellow apple and pineapple, creating an exciting sensory experience. Upon tasting, it unveils a beautifully balanced complexity, featuring a creamy texture, abundant fruitiness, nuanced toastiness from barrel aging, and refreshing acidity. It’s an exhilarating journey for the senses.

2021 Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir- I love this Pinot Noir because it fully expresses the Klopp Vineyard characteristics. Its captivating blend of spicy, cranberry, and black cherry notes, intertwined with layers of coffee and dark chocolate, keeps me coming back for more. The palate experience is unmatched; it not only fulfills expectations but also surprises me with its expressive yet subtle tannins and balanced acidity, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Do you have an interesting story about the grower/owner?

2022 Russian River Valley Chardonnay- This Chardonnay is a blend of grapes from two vineyards: Dutton Family’s Shop Block and Mirabelle. The Dutton family has been growing grapes in the Russian River Valley for generations. Always exciting to work with their highly prized fruit, their vineyards are beautiful, and always very well cared and their farming brings consistency and quality over the years to their grapes and our wines. 

2021 Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir- There is something special about this vineyard for me which is about the harvest timing. The grapes from Klopp Ranch are one of the first Pinot Noir grapes to arrive every year to our facility in Healdsburg for processing. This is so exciting!!! The start of the season is such a special moment for me, it’s like welcoming a great season and new beginnings. This is the moment I constantly associate with this vineyard which holds a special spot to me. 

In addition, we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to produce wine out of the vineyard where Ted and Lauren Klopp have been farming in the Russian River Valley for over two decades with lots of care and love.  

What makes the vineyard(s) unique?

2022 Russian River Valley Chardonnay- What makes this wine unique for me is the combination and the blend of two exceptional vineyards that have their own characteristics. 

The Dutton Shop Block is planted to the Wente selection, which delivers small berries with intriguing floral aromatics, located in the heart of Russian River Valley which has a big fog layer covering the Vineyard during the growing season impacting the aromas and flavor of the grapes. The Mirabelle Vineyard is planted to Clone 95, which offers distinct stone fruit aromas and flavors and is on the valley floor where dense fog frequently settles, keeping the ripening progress slow and steady. 

2021 Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir- We pick grapes from three different blocks and each block has its own clone. The ground is fertile Goldridge soils, where the vines produce small, intensely flavorful clusters of grapes and in combination with that what makes this wine unique is the blend of those three different clones: 115, 777, and swan bringing their own characteristic aromas in layers as we experience the wine. 

What food(s) would you pair with each wine?

2022 Russian River Valley Chardonnay- I would pair this wine with a refreshing Ceviche featuring succulent seafood, vibrant tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers.

2021 Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir- I would pair this wine with a delicious green basil pesto and luscious Salmon.

Describe each wine in one word

2022 Russian River Valley Chardonnay- Complex 

2021 Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir- Exceeded (Because from the nose you expect a great wine and gets even better after first sip!)