To kick off the Women’s History Month celebration, we’re showcasing two new favorite releases of our rockstar Winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen! Introducing her must-haves for your cellar—the expressive 2022 Tollini Vineyard Chardonnay and the energetic 2021 Walala Vineyard Pinot Noir.⁣
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Through March 31st, enjoy 10% savings + 1¢ shipping on 6+ bottles or $15 ground shipping on 3-5 bottles of Heidi’s top wine picks!⁣

Why do you love these wines?

2022 Tollini Vineyard Chardonnay- I love this wine because since I started working with this vineyard it has always had amazing expression that always makes me feel excited. The wine builds, first a nuance of gardenia teases your nose, layered on that is tropical green melon and savory spices you would find in a Thai soup. It exudes flavors of pear, and red lime that are lifted by a rich palate. I find myself just using the word “expressive” and not being able to capture all of the specific notes.  

2021 Walala Vineyard Pinot Noir- I love this wine because of the far coast profile that this wine typifies. It tends to be a medium to full-bodied pinot noir with a red fruit profile at first glance. If you take the time with this wine you will be rewarded with exotic notes of Jamaica flowers and tart Mount Morency cherries. The elegant palate is mouth-watering with a long salivating finish. 

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

2022 Tollini Vineyard Chardonnay- I met Matt Tollini in 2013 at our Estate Vineyard, Thale’s, when we bought our property. He was working with the Vineyard Management team that farmed Thale’s. We hit it off right away and stayed in touch even when he left the Vineyard Management to farm with his family in Redwood Valley, Mendocino, and when we switched Vineyard Management. Years later I was looking for some new and interesting Chardonnay vineyards and I thought of Matt. He invited me up where I met his mother and father, Sally and Alvin. I knew the site was special and was being farmed by special people as well. 

2021 Walala Vineyard Pinot Noir- This vineyard is owned by the Price family and I have worked with vineyards around it. It is in the boonies out by the Pacific Ocean. It is a trek to get there but worth it for the adventure and the view. 

What makes the vineyard(s) unique?

2022 Tollini Vineyard Chardonnay- Redwood Valley believe it or not is heavily influenced by the cooling from the Pacific Ocean and the cool air settles there at night during the hot summer. It is a cool climate area. It is also extremely drought and we have to be very mindful of water availability. It sits at about 750ft in elevation. 

2021 Walala Vineyard Pinot Noir- The sun shines surprisingly hot on the vines which brings them to ripen and the sheer proximity to the ocean keeps the overall temperatures cool. The rugged nature of the land imprints upon the wine to give it a rugged yet stunning profile.

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

2022 Tollini Vineyard Chardonnay- This Chardonnay would pair well with Thai curry or a cheese plate done up with accouterment. 

2021 Walala Vineyard Pinot Noir- This Pinot Noir pairs well with a hearty radicchio salad with blue cheese, candied walnuts, and sliced green apples. For a main, don’t go traditional, explore Indian curries, and Japanese izakaya. The wine is versatile and pairs with unique food flavors.

Describe each wine in one word

2022 Tollini Vineyard Chardonnay- Expressive

2021 Walala Vineyard Pinot Noir- Serious Playfulness (Yes, I know this is two words)