Stuhlmuller Vineyards Alexander Valley Chardonnay 1999

Stuhlmuller Vineyards is tucked into a unique river bench and hillside location in the southwestern edge of the Alexander Valley where three of Northern Sonoma County's top appellations come together, virtually a stone's throw from Chalk Hill and the Russian River Valley. After selling grapes to a number of area wineries, in the mid-90's Fritz Stuhlmuller decided to put the family's name on a label, working with winemaker Kerry Damskey to produce small lots of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from 150-acres of estate vineyard. The cool climate and varied soils and exposures create Chardonnay with classic Alexander Valley tropical characteristics plus crisp citrus/apple notes and a distinctive mineral touch. The Cabernet Sauvignon adds hints of sage and bay leaf to the region's rich cherry, black fruit and cocoa. In 2000 a new winery was built on the property, a vest pocket gem sized precisely to handle the small amount of fruit the Stuhlmullers select from special blocks for their own wines.