Nose

Arresting aromatics of Asian pear, white florals, and tangerine peel leap dramatically from the glass.

Palate

Dynamic flavors of Ginger Gold apple, zesty lemon pie, brioche, and ginger spice emerge harmonious from a palate—round and supple in texture—with energetic acidity, elegance, and very long length.

Growing Conditions

Relative to the preceding three years, the 2016 growing season was notably cooler, with lower than average daytime highs and colder nights. Though harvest commenced a week earlier than typical, the weather remained stable throughout the ripening phase with no significant heat spikes. The result was balanced fruit of optimal quality and a short harvest period, concluding within a two to three-week timeline. Sources: Ross Station Estate, Edward James Estate, O’Connor, Roger Wishard Estate, Feeney Ranch Estate, Don Miguel, Richard Dinner, Goldrock Estate, Ellen Lane Estate

Harvest

Hand-harvested, picked at night

Bottling

Unfined and unfiltered; bottled January 2018

Winemaking

 Whole cluster pressed while still cold from the field  Barrel-fermented with indigenous yeasts  Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel. Clonal selections: 15, Hudson-Wente, Hyde-Wente, Batto, Calera, Montrachet, See, 4, Mt. Eden, 76

Aging

Aged sur lies with biweekly bâtonnage; Aged 10 months in French oak barrels; 48% new, 5 months in stainless steel. Coopers: Cadus, Damy, Louis Latour, Francois Frères, Gauthier, Leroi

Appearance

Pale straw with a chlorphyllic tint, the 2016 Russian River Valley Chardonnay displays a lovely pearlescence in the glass.

Food Pairing

Try paired with Gruyère gougères, or scallops of almost any preparation. Serve at 45°-50° F.