Nose
Indicative of its cool
climate origins, this wine has a bright acidity beneath notes of pineapple, peach,
satsuma, orange blossom, cotton candy and toasted bread.
Palate
Flavors of ripe orchard
fruit and toasty spiced oak are accompanied by a creamy mid-palate.This wine is
medium-bodied with a memorable crispness.
Growing Conditions
Some of the most globally renowned Chardonnay is made from Russian River
Valley fruit. The grapes for the 2016 Folie à Deux Chardonnay were sourced
primarily from vineyards in this acclaimed AVA. Cooling fog from the Pacific
Ocean blankets the Russian River Valley’s vineyards, reducing temperatures by
35 to 40 degrees at night and fostering a long, even growing season.
Harvest
2016 was another warm and therefore early year, which meant the grapes
were physiologically ripe at a lower sugar level, resulting in lower than average
alcohol levels. Although the alcohol level is low, the flavors in this Chardonnay
are representative of fully ripe, developed fruit. The Russian River Valley’s wide
range of alluvial soils—composed primarily of gravel, loam and sand—provides
essential water drainage while retaining sufficient moisture and nutrients to
support the vines during the appellation’s long growing season. The grapes in
this Chardonnay ripened slowly on the vine, developing intense varietal flavors,
while retaining a bright and vibrant acidity.
Winemaking
The fruit for this Chardonnay was selected from seven premier vineyards throughout
the Russian River Valley. Following harvest, the grapes were fermented in French,
American and Hungarian (18% new) oak barrels to maintain bright acidity, add
complexity and showcase the variety’s rich fruit flavors. The wine underwent 50%
malolactic fermentation.
Aging
Barrel aged 85% for nearly 6 months.
Food Pairing
For an excellent pairing, serve the
2016 Folie à Deux Chardonnay with baked salmon topped with herbs of dill and
fresh-squeezed lemon, or try it alongside white mushroom truffle pasta.
