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Russian River Valley
2021 Gravel Lens Chardonnay
2 In Stock
Winemaker Notes
This Chardonnay shows perfumed floral aromas with orange blossom, apricot, mineral, and dusty oak. Floral tones, baked bread and oak spice flavors fill the mouth and, though rich, the mouthfeel is creamy and lighter than expected. This wine finishes with a touch of acidity and golden honey. Enjoy this wine with a variety of salty cheeses, fettuccini alfredo, ravioli marinara or a creamy vegetable soup.
Vineyard Notes
The River West Vineyard is located on Westside Road on a low riverside bench in the far northern end of the Russian River Valley. The soil is predominantly Yolo sandy silt loam with a pocket of gravelly Cortina soil. One particular block of Chardonnay planted to the Spring Mountain selection Chardonnay, has been one of the perennial favorites, a centerpiece of our River West Chardonnay bottling for many years. Certain spots in the vineyard contain gravel lenses - areas where the Russian River deposited larger amounts of gravel than in other areas and which, over time, were hidden by soil eroded from the nearby hillsides. Subsequently, the gravel lenses are where the vines produce lower yields and exceptional quality fruit.
Production Notes
The 2021 vintage turned out to be a fantastic growing season, with no frost and very mild temperatures throughout most of the year. However, the unpredictable spring rains ended in March in what would become one of the driest seasons on record in Sonoma County. Despite a predicted early harvest due to dry conditions, we were pleased to find flavors and high acidities indicating everything was in balance and on track for a September harvest.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2021
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Russian River Valley
Acid
0.64g/100mL
pH
3.06
Aging
14 months in French oak barrels, 100% new
Alcohol %
14.5
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