Vineyard Sources

F. Johnson Vineyard Vineyard Manager Lance Blakeley works with Frank Johnson Vineyards to set aside a particular lot for this single vineyard selection. Fruit for this Chardonnay came entirely from a designated portion of the Frank Johnson Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. Two appellations meet in this vineyard: Russian River Valley on the south side and Dry Creek Valley to the north. Located less than two miles from the Russian River, the cool micro-climate (influenced by marine fog layers and the confluence of Dry Creek and Russian River), combined with the alluvial soils, results in exceptional fruit for a nicely balanced wine.

Winemaking

The vineyard lot was harvested the last week of September. The grapes were then destemmed, crushed and pressed to a stainless steel tank to settle juice for 24 hours. The juice was inoculated with Montrachet yeast. When fermentation reached the half-way point, the fermenting juice was transferred to barrels to finish fermentation. The wine was then aged sur-lies. Weekly stirring of the wine ensured the round, smooth effects of aging the wine on the lees. 85% of the wine was fermented in French oak barrels with a complement of American oak.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

“This wine retains all the delicate aromas of citrus, pineapple and pear. Barrel fermentation adds a creamy, rich mouthfeel without overwhelming the Chardonnay flavors. Crisp and full bodied, the fruit flavors are layered with a toasted oak finish, elegant and balanced. Enjoy now or within three years of the vintage.”

Technical Information

Appellation: Dry Creek Valley Varietal composition: 100% Chardonnay Barrel aging: nine months in French & American oak barrels Alcohol: 14.2% pH: 3.36 Total acidity: .75g/100ml Production: Limited Bottled: August 2007

 

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