Long famous as one of the key growers of Chardonnay grapes for the wine that won the momentous 1976 Judgement of Paris Tasting, the Bacigalupi family continues to be an iconic winegrowing family in Russian River Valley. This lovely Chardonnay begins with inviting aromas of tropical star fruit and lemon citrus that rise from the glass.
Tasting Notes
This lovely Chardonnay begins with inviting aromas of tropical star fruit and lemon citrus that rise from the glass. On the palate, it offers a soft, supple entry, with earthy flavors and hints of baking spices underscoring the fruit. Reflecting the exceptional quality of the grapes from Bacigalupi, the lingering finish shows excellent weight and structure.
Wine Origin
The 2015 vintage brought harvest on early. Warm winter temperatures caused early budbreak, and continued rapid heat accumulation helped develop flavors quickly. Bacigalupi Frost Ranch offers a mix of clones, with a blend of younger vines, and older ones with thick, gnarly trunks that have been there for decades. We harvested our Chardonnay from the vineyard on August 26th, 2015.
Production Notes
In order to maximize quality, the harvested grapes went directly to press as whole clusters and were gently pressed. This provides a distinct mouthfeel texture. After settling, the juice was racked into French oak barrels for fermentation. This wine spent its entire life in barrel, where it completed primary and secondary malo-lactic fermentations. Aging on the lees for ten months in 40% new French oak barrels completed the wine’s elevage. In order to increase richness and body, it was occasionally stirred. It was bottled on August 4th, 2016.
Winemaker Notes
Long famous as one of the key growers of Chardonnay grapes for the wine that won the momentous 1976 Judgement of Paris Tasting, the Bacigalupi family continues to be an iconic winegrowing family in Russian River Valley. This Chardonnay comes from a property that neighbors our winery on Westside Road—the acclaimed Bacigalupi Frost Ranch.
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