2022 Bicentennial Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
Shades of sparkling lemon the 2022 Bicentennial Chardonnay offers intriguing notes of apple, pear tart, and subtle quince which are intensified amongst a restrained backdrop of stony minerality and toasted brioche. Comprised solely of the Hyde clone, this prime example of true West Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is layered and complex on the palate, with ripe stone fruit, lemon meringue, and candied ginger. Hints of spiced vanilla and almond skin give way to a subtle flinty reduction that suggests great potential for aging. Vibrant, coastal born acidity and noticeable phenolic ripeness make this unfined and unfiltered wine something that should not be missed.
Wine Specs
- Harvest Date:
- September 9 - 11, 2022
- Aging:
- 15 months in 100% French oak 20% new oak barrels
- Bottling Date:
- March 2023
- Cases:
- 236
Vineyard Notes
Fort Ross Vineyard was selected to produce a special Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to commemorate the 1812 – 2012 Bicentennial of the old Russian Settlement of Fort Ross on the Sonoma Coast. This was the site of the first grape plantings in all of Sonoma County and even foreshadowed the plantings in Napa County. The winery was given permission from the Kunstkamera of the St. Peter the Great Museum in St. Petersburg to use the painting of the old fort done in 1841 by the famous naturalist, Il’ya Vosnesenky.
Production Notes
The grapes were handpicked during the cool hours of the night in small two-gallon picking trays then hand sorted in the vineyard and gently whole cluster pressed at the winery. After pressing, the juice was put into barrels and underwent primary and malolactic fermentation in 80% neutral and 20% new French oak. This discrete use of new oak allows the fruit to shine. This wine is comprised of small berried old Hyde field selection chosen for its richness and sleek structure. This heritage field selection has full, complex flavors that are intensified by the small size of both the bunches and the berries