Spring Release Wester Reach Chardonnay
2022
Winemaker’s Notes
Our 2022 vintage of “Wester Reach” Chardonnay is a multi-layered interpretation of this classic region where we live and farm. It includes some of the finest sites in the appellation - vineyards that we have planted, farmed, and harvested for over twenty years. Comprising four of our region’s unique sub-districts, the wine blends fruit from the valley itself with vineyards further west, stretching out to the coolest ‘reaches’ of the appellation’s high elevation coastal ridges. Each district contributes something unique, be it valley-floor richness, ridgeline acidity or coastal vibrancy.?
From the Middle Reach in the north, the broad orchard fruit generosity of our Flax Estate centers the wine. Directly across the river, El Diablo’s volcanic hillside emphasizes texture and density. On the Santa Rosa plain, we layer-in Cornerstone with its piercing acidity and honeyed richness. As we leave the valley itself and inch towards the coast, Winners Circle on the Laguna Ridge provides elegant stone fruit characters. Our own Bressay Estate, in the heart of Green Valley, completes the wine with citrus oil intensity and savory acidity.
Lovely aromatic purity: pear, honeydew, lemon sorbet, and baked apple notes alongside white flower, spearmint and sea spray edges. Stone and citrus fruit flavors dominate the palate which is broad and enveloping and expands to honeyed lemon and hazelnut richness. The wine’s texture is chewy and layered before fresh acidity lifts the long intense flinty finish. Drink between 2024 and 2028.
Vineyard
18% Winners Circle
16% Cornerstone Vineyard
Harvest Date
August 18th – September 8th
Appellation
Russian River Valley
Clones
Old Wente, Mt Eden & & Robert Young
Age of Vines at Harvest
21 years
Barrel Aging
Aged 11 months in 27% new French oak barrels from Tonnelleries Remond, Chassin & ACF followed by 4 months settling in tank
Production
3500 cases of 750mL
