2009 Chardonnay, Russian River Selection

2009 Chardonnay
Russian River Selection

Though our 2009 Russian River Selection Chardonnay is a blended wine from three very different and distinct properties, it should never be considered a “lesser wine” to our single vineyard offerings. It was crafted from three most coveted Chardonnay properties…all of which we also use for vineyard designated wines. Through careful blending, we were able to compose a wine that seamlessly integrates the many complimenting nuances of multiple clones and terriors into one single bottling. By example, clones 76 and 95 (Floodgate Vineyard and Cresta Ridge) contribute tremendous bright acidity, crisp citrus fruit and a proud stature, while Clone 4 (Westside Farms) fills out the mid-palate with depth, richness and wonderful accents of honey, pear and apricot. Many would consider the blend of these components superior to any individual component tasted alone.

Vineyard blending is becoming a lost art in the ultra-premium sector of California winemaking. Globally, many of the most respected and decorated winemakers covet the art of component blending and consider it an essential tool in crafting the very best, most complete cuvees. Unfortunately, consumers have come to believe single vineyard offerings represent the very best a winery has to offer. This has never been true with our wines, as our blended appellation wines have often been preferred (by some) to our designated offerings.

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Tasting Notes

Download Tasting Notes (PDF)

Vintage Summary

After a long, wet winter, vines were slow to awaken to the cool spring of 2009. The growing season remained cool and steady in the Russian River Valley, with near-perfect conditions, very few heat spikes and no precipitation during July, August or September. This pattern stayed intact throughout the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay growing season, resulting in wonderfully clean, flavorful fruit with tremendous acidity.

On October 13 (well after completion of our grape harvest), six inches of rain fell on Sonoma and Napa counties. This was a devastating blow to the late-ripening varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah) not yet harvested. Many winemakers evaluate the vintage in two parts; the great wines produced from pre-storm grapes and everything else. Generally speaking, look for this to be a great vintage for Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs from Sonoma and Napa, but “spotty” for other varietals.

Winemaker Notes

Aromas of fresh cut honeydew melon and pear are set against a backdrop of apricot and zesty lime. Its concentrated fruit is tightly held in a firm structure complimented and by just the right amount of minerality and lees influence. The oak held in check perfectly, allowing the complexing vineyard contributions to remain in the forefront through the succulent, mouthwatering finish.

Gary Farrell, winemaker

Cellar Notes

  • Vineyards and Clones

    39% Floodgate Vineyard
    – Dijon Clone 95
    34% Cresta Ridge
    – Dijon clones 76 and 95
    27% Westside Farms
    – Clone 4

  • Harvest Information

    39% Floodgate Vineyard – Dijon Clone 95
    34% Cresta Ridge – Dijon clones 76 and 95
    27% Westside Farms – Clone 4

  • Grape Processing

    Cold fruit processed early AM
    Hand sorted prior to pressing

  • Fermentation

    100% barrel fermented
    35% ML fermentation (in barrel)
    Yeast: Three cultured strains
    Duration: 14 days

  • Barrel Program

    100% French oak
    Francois Freres, Rousseau
    35% new
    65% one and two year old
    9 months in barrel

  • Finished Wine

    Alcohol: 14.2% by volume
    Titratable acidity: 6.9 gm/L
    pH: 3.46
    Bottling date: June 6, 2010
    Production: 300 cases (9 liter equivalent)

  • Accolade PDF

  • Critic PDF

Accolades