2012 Russian River Chardonnay released

Our 2012 Russian River Chardonnay was released this month, and wine club members who have chosen our Summer Whites option were the first to receive it. 

2012 was a beautiful growing year, and this graceful un-oaked Chardonnay is a nice reflection: it is bursting with flavor and mouth-watering acids, but comes in at a very old-world 12.8% ABV, so it's easy to enjoy.

We made only a small amount and are assembling our allocation list now.  The wine retails at $24/bottle, but folks may join our wine club now and receive two bottles for just $30 plus tax and shipping (or, use our free pickup option).  Club members may also re-order limited amounts at 20% discount, or just $19.20/bottle.  Happy end of summer!

George's now pouring Wait Cellars

George's Restaurant downtown has picked up our 2011 Russian River Chardonnay, stop in for a glass if you're in the neighborhood!

Veraison shots

Harvest approaches and our fruit is ahead of where it was in 2012, due to the warm dry winter and spring.  Our growers (Stan at Devoto Gardens for our Pinot Noir, and Jon at Inspiration Vineyard for our Chardonnay) scrambled to irrigate during mid July heat that reached the 90s.  But it has since cooled off and things are slowing; we'll see what September brings!

 

 

Devoto Gardens: clone 667 at left (planted 2009), clone 828 at right (planted 2006).  Note characteristic verticality of the 828.

Veraison at about 70-80% in the 667 block (and the 115 block, also a young canopy) two weeks back; not as far along in the 828.

Exposed (southern) side of the Chardonnay at Inspiration, carrying more protective leaves. Quadrilateral training, harder to stay on top of what's going on inside the canopy, but Jon has rot and mildew well in check.  Putting veraison at 70% as of two weeks back.

Will be asking Jon to drop fruit on these shorter shoots, which is unlikely to fully ripen.

Family Winemakers of California: August 17th-18th

Join us at one of the year's biggest tastings, the Family Winemakers of California San Francisco tasting at Fort Mason, August 17th and 18th. Hundreds of California wineries and family-owned goodness.

You may also buy wine at the table if you find something you like.  We'll be pouring our 2011 Pinot Noirs and our just-released 2012 Russian River Chardonnay.  Hope to see you!