2018
Chardonnay
Russian River Valley
Sophia’s Vineyard

Winemaker Notes

This elegant, multi-layered Chardonnay from Sophia’s Vineyard attains a perfect balance between its acidity and creamy texture. Intertwined in the palate are sweet spice, honey, tangerine oil, and a classic river stone minerality. The mouthfeel has an amazing polish, presence, and viscosity that finishes perfectly focused, leaving a persistent impression on the palate.

Wine Advocate Review
by Robert Parker

The 2018 Chardonnay Sophia’s Vineyard is scented of orchard fruits, white flowers and beeswax with a youthful framing of matchstick-like reduction. The palate is silky, lifted and ripe, with mineral character adding tension and a long finish laced with floral perfume. It’s tensile and lively and will age well in bottle. 150 cases were made. —94+ pts.

Production Notes

Production: 150 cases
Russian River Appellation
Located near Graton
Elevation 700 feet
Vine Age – 40+ years
Goldridge Soils
Gentle North Facing Slope
Harvested in September 2018
Malolactic Fermentation
Barrel Fermented
Wild Yeast Fermentation
40% New French Oak
Barrel Aged 14 Months (sur lees)
Bottled in December 2019

Sophia’s Vineyard

Warren Dutton planted this 7 acre vineyard in the 1970s using the Old Wente Clone without rootstock. Located near Graton, the well drained Goldridge soil has kept these vines healthy and productive. On a gentle north facing slope that protects the fruit from the hot afternoon sun, the vines are trained on a vertical trellis (VSP).