2021 Russian River Valley

94 Points: Patrick J. Comiskey Wine & Spirits - October 2023

“A big, complex chardonnay blended from four vineyards, this keeps fresh, bright fruit as the central mission, surrounding ripe apple flavors with scents of white roses and almond paste. It’s powerful without being sweet—‘Intense in all the right ways,’ said Alex Mares of NYC’s *Eleven Madison Park.”

92 Points: Aaron Romano and MaryAnn Worobiec Wine Spectator - May 2023

“This has an appealing hint of flint and grilled orange, with plenty of complexity and intensity to the salted preserved lemon, yuzu and Key lime flavors. Delivers details of tarragon, sea salt minerality and a kiss of toasted brioche on the long, expressive and juicy finish. Drink now.”

92 Points: Rich Cook Wine Review Online - June 2023

“Minimal oak influence does a great service to this Chardonnay, allowing the acidity and fruit character to shine and get just a little boost and contrast from the wood. Apple and lemon crème flavors are crisp, bright, and long, accented by soft spice and toast notes. It’s a winner with wide application and crowd pleasing appeal.”

The four vineyards used for this wine were all harvested by hand on different days from September 13 to September 27. This diversity adds another element of complexity and intrigue to the blend. The Shop Block is planted to the Wente selection, which delivers small berries with intriguing floral aromatics. Mirabelle Vineyard planted to Clone 95 offers distinct stone fruit aromas and flavors. The Jewell and Woolsey vineyards were picked last, providing amazing acidity and verve. While yields were down slightly, and ripening occurred in a shorter period of time, the 2021 vintage produced amazing wines with crisp acids and lush, fruit flavors.

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 Shop Block and Jewell vineyards. In addition, fruit from Mirabelle Vineyard and the Martinelli family’s acclaimed Woolsey Vineyard also shine in the blend. Each of these vineyards features a different clone, which further enhances the flavorful mosaic of this exciting wine.

• composition:

  100% Chardonnay

• alcohol: 14.2%
• cases made:

  400 Cases

• bottling date: 07/25/2022
• aging:

  9 months in French oak, sur lie

• fermentation:

  Barrel fermented in 23% new French oak, 23% one-year-old oak, remaining neutral oak
  100% Malolactic