Winemaker Notes
A classic Chardonnay from the Heintz Vineyard, this wine is highlighted by yellow apple and Gravenstein apple notes, with hints of musk melon, fresh cut pineapple, and tangerine layered underneath. Situated on a hilltop in a very cool part of the Russian River Valley, the vineyard enjoys a slow and methodical ripening cycle. Layered on the palate, the wine shows off with orchard fruits and zesty citrus flavors and finishes with a dusty, mineral driven sensation.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Lots of strawberry, pineapple, apple and ripe pear aromas and flavors. Fresh oyster mushrooms. It’s full-bodied yet it remains fresh and framed with tension and tightness. Bright and energetic. Tight now. Give it time.
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Wine Spectator
Distinctive and refined, with hints of white raspberry, nectarine and fig mingling with crisper notes of Meyer lemon, tangerine and lime sherbet on a bright, mouthwatering frame. Shows savory details of toasted herbs, honeycomb and a touch of sea salt on the mouthwatering finish. Drink now. 416 cases made.
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.
A standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.