The Story of the 2010 Russian River Valley Chardonnay
Davis Bynum is distinguished as the first winery to produce a single vineyard pinot noir from Russian River Valley. The vintage was 1973 and the grapes were from Joe Rochioli’s now prized vineyard. Today, more than thirty years later, the heritage of Davis Bynum lives on through hand crafted pinot noir and chardonnay grown
exclusively from prime vineyards in Russian River Valley.Chardonnay is among the most transparent of grape varieties, clearly showing the soils and climate in which
it was grown. They follow time-honored methods, bringing in whole clusters of carefully selected Russian River Valley chardonnay during the coldest part of the morning, pressing gently one batch at a time, and fermenting slowly in my favorite French oak barrels.
Final choices are made lot by lot, based on aroma, flavor, overall
balance, and what is called “mouthfeel.”Russian River Valley chardonnay expresses itself differently depending on location, site specifics, and the nature of the vines themselves.The winemaker seeks out the “middle reach” region of the valley, which runs just southwest of Healdsburg to the Wohler Bridge in Forestville. This area tends to be slightly warmer than the very cool south-western sub regions. Then he focuses specific vineyards that show superior vine balance thanks to well-drained, inherently low vigor soils. Finally,I choosing a select variety of chardonnay “clones” to enhance complexity, while keeping to the food friendly flavor profile that has always been a hallmark of Davis Bynum: a little lighter, without being lean; a little crisper, without being tart; a little more aromatic, without being distracting; and balanced with less oak and alcohol than you often find in California chardonnays.
SRP: $25. A genuine bargain and a delicious treat
Wine Maker Greg Morthole Notes: Russian River Valley chardonnay expresses itself differently depending on location, site specifics, and the nature of the vines themselves. I seek out the "middle reach" region of the valley, which runs just southwest of Healdsburg to the Wohler Bridge in Forestville. This area tends to be slightly warmer than the very cool south-western sub regions. Then I focus on specific vineyards that show superior vine balance thanks to well-drained, inherently low vigor soils. Finally, I choose a select variety of chardonnay "clones" to enhance complexity, while keeping to the food friendly flavor profile that has always been a hallmark of Davis Bynum: a little lighter, without being lean; a little crisper, without being tart; a little more aromatic, without being distracting; and balanced with less oak and alcohol than you often find in California chardonnays.
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The Story of the 2010 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Davis Bynum is distinguished as the first winery to produce a single vineyard pinot noir from Russian River Valley. The vintage was 1973 and the grapes were from Joe Rochioli’s now prized vineyard. Today, more than thirty years later, the heritage of Davis Bynum lives on through hand crafted pinot noir and chardonnay grown
in Russian River Valley. Pinot Noir is known as one of the most difficult varieties to grow and make well. I feel fortunate that my sources are in the finest corner of the Russian River Valley. From there they choose carefully amongst vineyards, and select only the clones of pinot noir that are the most classic expression of what this “heartbreak grape” can really show. Gentle handling, sorting and fermentation, followed by aging in my favorite French oak barrels allow the distinctive nature of these fickle, fog shrouded and utterly enchanting grapes to shine.
Russian River Valley pinot noir expresses itself differently depending on location, site specifics, and the nature of the vines themselves. They seek out the golden triangle of the “Santa Rosa plain” region of the valley, just southwest of Windsor and centered on the intersection of Olivet and River roads. This small area tends to enjoy the very best of the iconic local climate; never too hot during the day, and consistently chilly at night.
Then the focus is on a handful of vineyards that show superior vine balance thanks to well-drained, shallow and inherently low vigor soils. Finally, a selection of pinot “clones” to enhance complexity, while keeping to the food friendly flavor profile that has always been a hallmark of Davis Bynum: a little lighter, without being lean; a little crisper, without being tart; a little more fruit driven, without being distracting; with a
round, soft mouthfeel, and less oak and alcohol than you often find in California pinot noirs.
SRP: $35. Worth every penny, you’ll see discover how well California can handle Pinot and fall in love with it al over again
Filed under: california, chardonnay, pinot noir, Wine Tagged: California, Chardonnay, pinot noir, Wine
