Elizabeth Spencer Mendocino Chardonnay 2012
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Elizabeth Spencer Winery, founded in 1998, begins with a belief that wine should be delicious, inviting, and representative of its place of origin, which is evident in every bottle. Balanced, elegant, and approachable, Elizabeth Spencer wines are made from grapes grown in Northern California’s finest wine regions, focusing on Napa Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Mendocino. They consider themselves stewards of the land, with a profound responsibility to pass along a clean environment and revitalized, healthy soil to future generations. They look to the future with a focus on farming practices and partnering with growers that have an equal commitment to the land.
Elizabeth Spencer Winery is the realization of a dream by husband-and-wife team Elizabeth Pressler and Spencer Graham, a couple who each enjoyed successful careers in the wine industry and share a love and respect for wine. With a "partners in life and partners in wine" philosophy their wines were built on the importance of strong relationships.
In 2005, they acquired the 1872 brick Post Office building on the corner of Rutherford Road and Hwy 29 and restored the historic property which opened in May 2006 for tastings.
In 2021, Elizabeth Spencer Winery joined Boisset Collection where its legacy will continue. Under the leadership of Jean-Charles Boisset, Elizabeth Spencer Winery will continue to build upon and cultivate its strong relationships.
Led by winemaker Sarah Vandendriessche, the wines of Elizabeth Spencer are balanced, elegant and approachable. Made to drink among friends and family, they are inviting, accessible in their youth, display ample fruit and are characterized by intensity and purity of flavor. Working closely with growers, they produce singular varietal wines from grapes grown in the most recognized areas in Northern California, ensuring each wine is a true reflection of its appellation.
Heidi Peterson Barrett, renowned Napa Valley Winemaker, has joined Elizabeth Spencer as Consulting Winemaker, beginning with the 2022 vintage. She will be working closely with Winemaker Sarah Vandendriessche
"We love Napa Valley… we want to be in every village of our valley; and as a Frenchman, Rutherford has been a dream of mine for many years … It breathes the story of wine and the origins of this great valley." –Jean Charles Boisset
California’s most praised white wine, Chardonnay is also the state’s most planted white grape variety. Diverse terrain and microclimates allow for an incredible range of wine styles.
Chardonnay planted in the cooler, coastal zones takes on bright characteristics like lemon zest, key lime, green apple and wet flint. For this style, look to the chilly Sonoma Coast, Carneros, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands and Edna Valley.
The inland zones of California’s coast, such as the Russian River, Sonoma, Napa and Livermore Valleys maintain a more Goldilocks-esque climate where both styles go. Early picking retains acidity and creates a leaner style but leaving the grapes to hang creates an approachable Chardonnay, balancing richness and finesse.
Chardonnay also plays a major part in the sparkling wine production of the Anderson Valley and Carneros.