Please don't let the delightful flavors of this Huge Bear Chardonnay distract you from the fact that huge bears in the wild are still very dangerous. And if you hear someone behind you yell out "HUGE BEAR!", don't hold up your glass for another pour. Run! Or do whatever you're supposed to do when you see a bear. We're not like, bear safety experts or anything. Just concerned civilians.
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2014 Huge Bear Chardonnay, Sonoma County
Aromatic notes of Meyer lemon, sweet cream and marzipan leap from the glass. On the palate, vanilla and citrus zest strike a balance and lead to a lingering finish.
The 2014 growing season was one of the driest on record, jump-starting with a warm and dry January and February. This led to an early February bud-break, but also ensured a long growing season with a mid-September harvest. Through spring and summer, the vines enjoyed near perfect temperatures with few heat spikes, allowing the grapes to achieve a density and color that is reflected in the wine.
Winemaking Techniques: The grapes were whole cluster pressed and allowed to cold settle for two days before racking to barrels for fermentation. 40% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation, and the wine rested on the lees for five months, and was stirred every two weeks. The wine was barrel aged for 10 months in 60% new French oak.
Food Pairings: This is a bright, yet full flavored wine that will compliment bold flavors. Suggested pairings include a traditional herb-roasted chicken and grilled vegetables, pork loin in a Dijon mustard cream sauce, or as an accompaniment to cheeses and charcuterie for a picnic.
The Big Story Behind Huge Bear
At Huge Bear, we’re passionate about making exceptional, hand-crafted wines. Each wine is made in small lots, and is meant be enjoyed with family and friends.
Our wines are inspired by California's rich history and Sonoma County’s long-standing reputation of growing exceptional wine grapes that produce exciting wines. It’s this adventurous spirit of the west that is captured in each bottle of Huge Bear.
What’s in a Name?
The Huge Bear name comes from an article we discovered in the local historic archives from the mid 1800s. The story chronicles the adventures of a huge bear that would come down from the mountains in search of food, surprising the local Justice of the Peace whose home he routinely raided. That elusive bear was never trapped. During this time Thomas Knight (namesake of Knights Valley) was leading the charge to raise the Bear Flag and pronounce California as an independent state. We imagine that the Bear Flaggers were inspired by this local bear, and decided to celebrate the bear’s independent spirit on the California State Bear Flag.
A Spirited Label
The illustration used on our label is adapted from Lynd Ward's classic book The Biggest Bear, winner of the Caldecott Medal in 1953. Mr. Ward illustrated over 200 books and most are now considered American classics. His works include six woodcut graphic novels, of which four have recently been republished. He is also known for his art in watercolor, oil, brush and ink, lithography and mezzotint. You can read more about the amazing life of Lynd Ward on the many websites that are dedicated to his extraordinary life. We are grateful to the copyright owners of Mr. Ward's work, his daughters Robin Ward Savage and Nanda Ward, for their permission to use this amazing art.
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