2018 Russian River Valley

90 Points: Virginie Boone Wine Enthusiast - March 1, 2021

"Crisp apple, Meyer lemon and tangerine flavors make for a fresh, fruity experience on the medium-bodied palate, while the wine shows balance and elegance throughout. Floral apple blossom and jasmine add to the liveliness and appeal."

Because the 2018 growing season was one of naturally high yields, we worked closely with our grower partners to thin the fruit and to bring each vineyard into ideal balance. The clusters ripened slowly, and in general, 2018 was a late harvest. We harvested the Chardonnay for this wine from the middle to the end of September. This diversity in terms of harvest dates adds another element of complexity and intrigue to the blend.

The grapes for this wine came from four exceptional vineyards in the famed Russian River Valley appellation, with each of these beautiful sites bringing something unique and appealing to the blend. The vineyards include the Dutton family’s Jewell and Wohler vineyards, Matthew’s Station and the Martinelli family’s Woolsey Ranch.

• composition:

  100% Chardonnay

• alcohol: 14.20%
• cases made:

  975 cases

• bottling date: 08/05/2019
• aging:

  9 months in French oak, sur lie

• fermentation:

  Barrel fermented in 9% new French oak, 27% one-year-old oak, remaining neutral oak
  75% Malolactic