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Varietal
Chardonnay
Vintage
2020
Russian River Valley
Vintage
2020
Appellation
Russian River Valley
Appellation
Russian River Valley
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Tasting NotesThe Russian River Valley Chardonnay has a slight earthiness that adds sophistication to its enticing aromas of citrus and tropical fruit. On the palate, a pithy texture and seamless hints of toasty oak provide richness, while accentuating the ripe pineapple, kiwi and lime flavors that glide to a zesty, mineral-driven finish.
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Wine OriginThe seven vineyards used for this wine were all harvested by hand on different days from September 10 to September 28. This diversity adds another element of complexity and intrigue to the blend. Braughton Vineyard is located just east of Green Valley, so it has slightly warmer grower conditions that produce a rich and fruitful expression on the nose. The Shop Block is planted to the Wente selection, which delivers small berries and clusters with intriguing floral aromatics. The Jewell and Woolsey Vineyard were our latest picked vineyards and bring amazing acidity and verve.
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Production NotesAll grapes went direct to press as whole clusters, with gentle pressing to preserve the bright, delicate characteristics we prize. After settling, the juice was racked into French oak barrels for fermentation to give the wine just a hint of toast and spice. We used 41% new oak and 27% one-year-old oak (with the remainder being neutral) to allow the richness of the fruit to take centerstage. After primary fermentation, the wine went through secondary malo-lactic fermentation. This barrel-fermented wine was aged on the lees for nine months, with occasional stirring to increase richness. The final blend was assembled just prior to bottling, which occurred on November 16, 2021.
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Winemaker NotesThe grapes for this wine came from a number of 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 Braughton, Shop Block, Jewell and Hansen Vineyards. In addition to the Dutton vineyards fruit from Wohler and Mirabelle vineyards and Martinelli family’s 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.