THE MIDDLE REACH
The Middle Reach is loosely defined by many as a narrow stretch of land that runs north-south along the Russian River's banks between southern Healdsburg and Forestville. Known for its mix of sun and fog, the area promotes a long, well balanced growing season. Vineyards in this region are generally hillside or rolling hillside estates containing a mixture of gravely, sandy loam and clay soils perfect for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Pinot Noir grapes produced in the Middle Reach tend to have rich, velvety fruit flavors of deep red berries, accents of spice, cherries, strawberries, raspberries and underlying scents of the earth. Chardonnay grapes tend to have characteristics of fresh Pear, citrus, peach, apple pie and guava notes with touches of allspice, brioche, and praline.
The fruit sourced for our Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rosé is from this sub-region and distinctive micro-climate in the Russian River Valley. The result in the bottle is our best effort to interpret these unique vineyards into limited production, age-worthy wines that can be enjoyed for years to come and that tell the true story of the Middle Reach.
CLONES
We are very focused on the clones we use in our wines. Why do we think this is important? We believe site, soil and climate, drive clonal selection. The clones we work with originated in Burgundy and found their way to California over time. Individual clones, adapt differently to each vineyard’s unique terroir which results in a diverse expression in the fruit produced.
Pinot Noir
Pommard: Also known as UCD 5, this clone is the foundation of our 2017 vintage, but can easily make a stand-alone wine. Pommard produces small berries in tight clusters with frim structured tannins and displays dark red fruit flavors of blueberry, blackberry, plum and dark cherry with an undertone of minerality that promotes balance and acidity.
VR: Also known as Vosne-Romanne, is a “suitcase clone” originating from a Grand Cru vineyard believed to be one of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti’s holdings via Josh Jenson, Gary Pisoni or Ulises Valdez…VR has medium to small berries with rich velvety or silky tannins that produce red fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry and strawberry with floral aromatics.
Swan: Originally propagated by Joseph Swan right here in the Russian River Valley, Swan produces berries of various sizes and offers intense aromatics - from raspberries, strawberries, and cranberries to violets - with a distinctive spiciness.
Mount Eden: Produces small clusters with intensely-flavored berries with complex aromatics, dark color, and velvety tannins.
Chardonnay
Old Wente: This is a California “Heritage” clone which produces medium sized berries in large dense clusters. This clone displays a creamy rich texture, layered with fresh fruit flavors of pear, apple, peach and lemon complemented by floral aromatics with an undertone of minerality.
Montrachet: Produces small to medium clusters with intense minerality, loads of citrus (orange skin, lemon peel), smoked hazelnuts and green apples.
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