Winemaker Notes
In 1976, Robert Stemmler opened his own winery in the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County. With total control over the direction of his brand, Robert concentrated on his true passion, Pinot Noir. It was in 1982, after securing quality fruit from a hillside vineyard in Russian River, Robert Stemmler Pinot Noir was put on the map. In 1984, the Robert Stemmler Pinot Noir was awarded the "Best in America." Today, Robert Stemmler is recognized as one of California's top Pinot Noir producers and he continues to devote his energy to his passion of making California's best Pinot Noir.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.
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.