2015 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

August West took a hiatus from making Russian River Valley Chardonnay after the Treehouse Vineyard block of Chard was budded over to Pinot Noir following the 2011 vintage.  Through our close ties to the Sandler Wine Co., we were able to get two barrels worth of Heintz Ranch fruit for the 2015 harvest.  Charlie Heintz has been farming this block of clone 4 Chardonnay since 1982, making it the oldest vines August West works with.

 

The 2015 August West Russian River Valley Chardonnay is made in our non-traditional style of being barrel fermented, but with no new oak at all.  So, at the same time that it has a full-bodied, rich mouthfeel, there is no toastiness, or "butter," to the nose at all.  The high acid is typical of the Heintz Ranch, and lasts well into the finish.  Expect this '15 RRV Chard to be at its best from late 2017 through 2022.

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