We don’t like making Sauvignon blanc in a Chardonnay “wannabe” style. We try to be true to the grapes’ natural character rather than transform it into another “international style” cookie-cutter wine.

The Sauvignon blanc came from Indian Springs Ranch and Fallenleaf Vineyard, both on the western slopes of Sonoma Valley. We included a small amount of Viognier. We tank fermented a portion to maximize freshness and barrel fermented a portion for added richness and texture. The Semillon and Muscadelle add notes of fig and passionfruit, while the Viognier accents the peach and floral aspects of Sauvignon blanc. The primary aromas are citrus Grapefruit, mandarin, lime), passionfruit and mineral (wet stone), with notes of melon, pineapple, gooseberry and guava. The texture is silky smooth without heaviness and a crisp, fresh finish that features a slight hint of chalk. To maintain freshness, we bottled our Sauvignon blanc in a screw cap finish bottle.

                                                     

Our 2012 Chardonnay was produced from a blend of grapes from a vineyard in Carneros, Hobert Nelson’s steep, east facing vineyard on Sonoma Mountain, and our Estate vineyard. As with the wonderful 2009 and 2010 vintages, we cold fermented about 25% of the total blend in stainless steel and used a limited amount of new oak for the barrel fermented portion.

Our goal has always been to produce wines with both intensity and great balance, to maximize the inherent quality of the grapes. The most important aspects of this quest are growing or purchasing great grapes, paying attention to detail, and keeping an open mind. Our cardinal rule in winemaking is that there are no rules, no formulas, no “right” way. Our knowledge base grows with each vintage, but the grapes vary with each vintage and need to be treated differently to produce the best wine possible.

This medium bodied Chardonnay features complex aromas and flavors of pear, citrus, green apple, elder flower, nutmeg and a hint of toasty oak, with sufficient acid to give a clean, crisp finish. In describing this wine, the term nervosity comes to mind It is bright and lively and will make a much superior dinner companion than so many of the sweet, oaky, disjointed Chardonnays being produced these days.

                                                     

New Release! GOLD MEDAL SONOMA COUNTY HARVEST FAIR 2014

Roussanne is a variety that has been grown in the Northern Rhône appellations of Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, St. Joseph and St. Peray for centuries. A century ago, White Hermitage was considered the best white wine in France. Many producers of Rhone variety whites are making “Chardonnay wannabees” – big, fat wines with lots of new oak. At Wellington Vineyards we produce Marsanne, Roussanne, and Sauvignon blanc with minimal new oak, so that the true character of the grape variety shines through.

Many producers of Rhone variety whites are making “Chardonnay wannabees” – big, fat wines with lots of new oak. At Wellington Vineyards we produce Marsanne, Roussanne, and Sauvignon Blanc with minimal new oak, so that the true character of the grape variety shines through.

Roussanne is a variety that has been grown in the Northern Rhône appellations of Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, St. Joseph and St. Peray for centuries.  A century ago, White Hermitage was considered the best white wine in France.  It is less widely planted in the Northern Rhône these days because of its susceptibility to mildew, rot and other viticultural problems such as poor fruit set, and is often blended with Marsanne in those appellations.