Vineyard
Charles Ranch is three miles in from the Pacific at 1,115-ft elevation, amidst redwoods, bay laurels, and oaks. The vineyard was planted in 1982 by George Charles (Lee Martinelli Jr.’s maternal grandfather).
Harvest Dates: Sept 24 & Sept 25
Brix: 22.4˚
Soil: The soil is Goldridge and Josephine; Goldridge comes from sandstone and Josephine is from shale.
Clones: Clone 4 and Old Wente
AVA: Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast
Winemaking
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Fermentation: We press whole grape clusters for phenolic delicacy. Native yeast and full native malolactic fermentation take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage.
Aging: After aging 20 months in 20% new Taransaud Beaune French oak barrels, the Chardonnay was traditionally fined for clarity and texture and bottled without filtration.
