Kevin and I love our whites in the French style. From the first vintage of the “Serenade in Blanc” Sauvignon Blanc, we have endeavored to make it similar to a French Sancerre – lots of mineral tones, definitely citrus driven, but with a creaminess to the palate. We knew that someday we would make a Chardonnay, and we also knew we would go French again. This time, think Puligny Montrachet!
To achieve this, we fermented our Chardonnay grapes in a combination of vessels, including a French oak puncheon and barrels, and a Nomblot concrete egg. The concrete egg is special as the design keeps the lees in constant motion, adding to the mouth-feel and structure and in particular, emphasizing the “mineralite” of the wine. We used different yeasts in the various fermenting vessels to add even further layers and depth.
The wine is big and rich, yet perfectly balanced. You will notice tropical notes, with hints of pineapple and apple, and the slightest hint of butterscotch and coconut. There is oak, but it is completely integrated into the wine. The acid is crisp and vibrant, yet balanced by the rich fruit, mineral characteristics and long finish.
Kevin calls this wine “a red wine lovers’ white wine!”
So…our first chard, the 2011 “Sarabande” Chardonnay, from the Russian River! Each of our wines have musical labels and names. The 2011 Chardonnay was named “Sarabande” after the 3/4 time dance music dating from the 16th century in Spain and the 17th century in England.
