Winemaker Notes
Formerly known as Antle Vineyard, this is a dramatic high desert site in the Gabilan Mountains neighboring Pinnacles National Park. South facing slope, 1800 ft elevation overlooking Monterey with moderating coastal influence. Situated just beneath an extinct volcano with decomposed granite and limestone soils. Picked early to preserve natural acidity, whole cluster pressed to concrete eggs where it underwent spontaneous fermentation and subsequent 6 month sur lie elevage.Chalky oyster shell, lemon verbena and citrus blossom with mouthwatering acidity.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Sourced from the historic Rodnick Farm in Chalone, planted by Richard Graff in 1985, these vines were originally thought to be Pinot Blanc. This is a round, tropical iteration of Melon, with aromas of papaya, lemon meringue, balsa wood and fresh sourdough bread. The palate is focused but fleshy, showing Asian pear and crushed chalk notes, leading to a soft and subtle finish. A fun, flashy California take on this Loire grape. Drinking Window 2020 - 2026
Made famous in Muscadet, a gently rolling, Atlantic-dominated countryside on the eastern edge of the Loire, Melon de Bourgogne is actually the most planted grape variety in the Loire Valley. But the best comes from Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, a subzone of Pays Nantais. Somm Secret—The wine called Muscadet may sound suggestive of “muscat,” but Melon de Bourgogne is not related. Its name also suggests origins in Burgundy, which it has, but was continuously outlawed there, like Gamay, during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Located in the Gabilan Mountains east of the fertile Salinas Valley, Chalone is named for the nearby Chalone peaks and produces fine Chardonnay and Pinot noir, among others.
RVLRIJL19MA_2019 Item# 620316