Rock & Vine Three Ranches Chardonnay 2018
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The 2018 Rock & Vine Chardonnay is a light straw color in the glass, and immediately presents aromas of tangerine and white peach, with a subtle hint of rose hanging just above a light caramel. The mouth is bright and clean, with round, layered flavors of fresh Asian pear, juicy ripe orange, and wild flower honey.
Bay Area natives and husband and wife team, Elijah & Leslie Pfister started a little wine import company back in 2008. Given their proximity to Napa and Sonoma and burgeoning reputation in fine wine, the two were urged by friends to start making wines of their own from grapes farmed in California. Due to their proximity to great sources throughout the state, it was simple enough to go into their "backyard" so to speak, and work with some of the best farmers and vineyard sources in the world. They got so good at sourcing and blending, they decided to make it their full time focus and went ahead and purchased, Nine North Wine Company based in Napa, CA. Nine North Wine Company represents a varied portfolio of limited production, handcrafted wines from California, Oregon, Washington and New Zealand. They specialize in offering exceptional quality and value across several brands, with prices that won't dent your pocketbook.
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.