2019 Hawk Hill Chardonnay

VINEYARD NOTES

The Hawk Hill Vineyard is situated in the far southwest corner of the Russian River Valley at an old stage coach stop. The vineyard hangs onto a steep south-facing hillside, bathed by regular fog cycles and coastal wind. Grapevines struggle to ripen their fruit at such a cool site, but meticulous viticulture practices and patience are rewarded with an opulent range of flavors and impressive complexity from the long hang time. Minerality and acidity are preserved in this climate, deftly complementing the richness captured from our winemaking.

WINEMAKER NOTES

We select clone 5 grapes from Hawk Hill that are hand-picked, sorted, whole-cluster pressed and barrel fermented with native yeast. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, 25% new, for 11 months and undergoes 100% Malolactic fermentation before being bottled unfiltered.

TASTING NOTES

Fresh and crisp aromas of orange zest, white peach and grapefruit leaps from the glass. Flavorful and powerful layers of apple spice and caramel cover the palate with a layer of fresh acidity that is accentuated by allspice and toasted almond. The lingering finish delights with a touch of sea salt.