2018 Chardonnay Magnum

Vineyard: The River Road Ranch vineyard is located within the Russian River Valley AVA.  The soil composition is Cortina, characterized as deep, well-draining soil composed mainly of gravel/sandy loam. This fast-draining soil leads to stressed vines that focus their energy on the grapes rather than leafy growth, resulting in more intensity and concentration. Certified Sustainable in 2017 (CCSW). 

 

38°29'18.9"N 122°49'00.5"W 

 

Winemaking: Time honored, traditional and hand crafted are the words I use to describe my winemaking style. This Chardonnay is selected, row by row, bunch by bunch in our Russian River Ranch vineyard. The grapes are processed as they have been since the development of the wine press. The whole bunches of grapes are placed into the press and gently squeezed to extract the juice. The juice is then cold settled with no additions made. After 24-36 hours of cold settling the juice is transferred to 100% French oak barrels in which 35-40% are new. The remaining 60-65 % of the barrels are one and two years old. A special mix of the previous vintage’s lees is added to the juice as well as selection of new yeast.

 

Oak: 100% French | Aging: 13 months