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Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2009

Less than 2400 cases worldwide

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir  2007

Less than 1800 cases worldwide

Russian River Valley

This complex Chardonnay has a harmonious apple, and melon component which blends perfectly with spicy hints of oak. The result lingers on the palate and long impresses.

Recent Awards

Silver Medal - 2011 Sonoma County Harvest Fair

Silver Medal - 2011 California State Fair

Bronze Medal - 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

 

Vinification

This wine was largely (70%) barrel fermented, and 30% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. A full 80% of the Chardonnay was oak aged for 10 months, with the remainder kept in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks to enhance the fruit and acidity.

Location

This grapes were grown in the Russian River Valley Vineyards of Kunde, Feeney, Airport, and Mirabel.

Conditions

The 2009 growing season was less extreme than its predecessor. There was some frost, but it was mild compared to 2008. However, temperatures below the 30 year average during the fruit set caused a reduced yield. With temperatures rarely hitting the 100 degree mark, the grapes had ample time to develop flavor and tannins without high alcohol levels. The fruit was picked before the October rains, and 2009 will go down as a very good year.

 

Bella Sonoma Vineyard

This wine is velvety with rich and ripe berry flavors. The texture is smooth and focused, and hints of pepper and smoke persist in the nicely polished finish.

Recent Awards

Silver - 2009 Sonoma County Harvest Fair

Silver - 2009 Orange County Fair

Vinification

The wine was fermented in open topped stainless steel tanks, with three daily punch downs for color and flavor extraction. After fermentation, the wine was pressed to barrel for 14 months aging.

Location

This wine was produced from grapes grown on several vineyards in the Sonoma Coast appellation, with a good portion originating from Art Ibleto's "Bella Sonoma Vineyard" located at the intersection of Stony Point and the Gravenstein Highway.

Conditions

The 2007 growing season was one of the longer ones in recent years. A dry spring brought an early bud break, and a warm summer enabled much of the Pinot Noir crop to be fully mature by the first part of September. This was fortunate, as early rains and cool weather set in after mid September. Though not big in quantity, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was a real winner as far as quality was concerned.