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About this wine:
This was a year for low yields in the vineyards. During the last week of August, these low yields combined
with a heat spike to give a little extra push to fast-ripening Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. By the beginning of
September, harvest was in full swing. And in mid-September, most of the early-ripening varieties had been
picked with ripe flavors and robust sugars. Low yields across the board contributed to intense flavors in both
white and red grapes, leaving vintners pleased with overall results.
Cellar Notes:
We have selected a small number of our best barrels from Bacigalupi for this wine, which we feel is the
purest and highest expression of what can be made from this famous vineyard. Located in the Middle Reach
of the Russian River Appellation, the Bacigalupi is situated on a bench adjacent to the rivers flow. An old
vine parcel with an old school California canopy allows the fruit to ripen to full physiological maturity
without California sunburn. The wines are kept in barrels for up to an additional 6 months as compared to
our Russian River appellation wine prior to bottling. Traditional old world techniques, such as native yeast
fermentation, batonnage and extended lees aging yield a phenomenally rich and complex wine. The wine is
fermented and aged in Mercurey, Alain Fouquet and Latour barrels all French oak and then bottled unfiltered.
Its true what they say about terroir. Great vineyards do, indeed, produce the greatest wines.
Tasting Note:
Our most complex Chardonnay, with fine-tuned layers of flavor that suggest a core of mineral and stone
fruit backed by firm acidity and citrus notes. Elegant vanilla and toast interacts with additional pear, honey
and spice flavors, all blended seamlessly and ending with silky texture and a clean, long finish. This famous
vineyard delivers an exceptional Chardonnay experience.
Technical Data:
Oak: 100% French Oak
Cases Produced: 130
Appellation: Sonoma County, Russian River Valley
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