Winemaker Notes
The grapes were hand sorted and gently whole cluster pressed directly into 60% new and 40% once used French oak barrels. The wine was fermented with 100% native yeast. After fermentation the wine went through 100% native malolactic fermentation and was aged sur lies for 12 months with frequent stirring.
The Jewell Vineyard is located on Dutton Ranch in the exceptionally cool Green Valley sub-appellation of Russian River. Originally planted in 1986, this 7-acre vineyard sits adjacent to an organic heirloom apple orchard. Chardonnay Clone 108 is grown here on fine, sandy loam soil upon rolling hills near the West Sonoma County community of Graton.
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.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.