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Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay Sonoma(2005)

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Winery:: Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards
Varietal:: Chardonnay
Region:: USA > California > Sonoma > Sonoma Coast
Type:: White Wine
User Tags:: red meat, meat, white grape, russian river valley, ava, chardonnay

US $87.77

OBSERVATIONS ON A NEW VINTAGE FROM WINEMAKER TERRY ADAMS ON THE VINTAGE It's no surprise when a monster vintage like 2005 is followed by a smaller vintage as grapes rest a bit and recover from their exuberance in the growing season just before. In this unique vintage, heavy clusters led to both late ripening and another record yield, one of the rare back to back heavy vintages that turned the norm upside down and sideways. Spring rains that never seemed to stop added to the challenges in our vineyards. As they say, the heavy rains of spring turn into the deep, full reservoirs of summer, when water read more...

is valued, and the dry, mild weather that haracterized much of the season, brought balance in the end. Clusters matured slowly, growing ever more complex and bursting with flavor, offering crisp acids that provide Russian River Ranches with a solid backbone for blending rich, supple wines. OUR ESTATE VINEYARDS Russian River Ranches is a cuvée of distinct estate vineyard lots, each contributing its own personality. Vine Hill features fine, sandy clay loam soil and the 400 acres here were once a beloved horse farm. Gently rolling hills face southwest and the slight elevation and moderate temperatures are perfect for Chardonnay. Our newest vineyard, Owsley Ranch, stands closest to the Pacific Ocean and is influenced by cooling fog pushing each day through the Bloomfield Gap. At Shiloh, in the MayacamasRange just east of the winery, the soils reflect the ancient seabed and volcanic ash that changed our SonomaCounty geography eons ago. The Kent Vineyard roots its vines in clay, hard upon an old river bed called the Woolsey Bench. Morning and evening fog both cool the vines and allow for extended maturation. And the Cutrer vineyard, in the heart of the RussianRiver, finds vines struggling through soils marked by the eruptions of Mt.St. Helena. A mixture of clones and rootstocks matched by three decades of experience in small vineyard blocks assures that our final assemblage of flavors results in a Chardonnay that remains among the most coveted in each and every vintage. TASTE ALONG WITH TERRY ADAMS "Fresh, intense aromas with floral highlights of yellow roses move quickly to the more traditional Chardonnay aromas of pear, peach, and apple, alongside kiwi and passion fruit. There's a hint of caramel, even ginger cookie. You'll enjoy a round, supple, youthful mouthfeel, with crisp acidity and a refreshing, approachable invitation to savor this Chardonnay for a while. Our delightful cornucopia of unique vineyards brings flavors of apple, peach and apricots and the zesty lemon-lime that adds interest to the blend. A touch of crème fresh enhances the fruit-forward with mineral notes that fade in a long, lingering finish graced with honey. It's a winemaker's dream to blend this cuvee, but for you, it's a dream come true. Enjoy!" 100% Chardonnay, aged in French Oak, Alcohol 13.9% Please enjoy our wines responsibly. (hide)