Migration Russian River Chardonnay 2012
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2015-
Wilfred
Wong -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wilfred
Wong
-
Wine &
Spirits -
Wilfred
Wong
-
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Wine
Spectator
Since our inaugural 2001 vintage of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, Migration has developed a refined and compelling style that balances vibrancy and finesse. In the years since, Migration has taken wing beyond our Anderson Valley origins as we have explored Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from California’s finest cool-climate appellations, most notably the legendary Sonoma Coast. Today, Migration works with a handful of acclaimed growers to produce a small portfolio of sought-after Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, including our flagship Sonoma Coast wines, and our coveted vineyard-designates. These sophisticated, Burgundian-varietal wines highlight lush fruit, bright acidity and balanced oak influence.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
A standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.