2012 MacMurray Ranch Russian River Chardonnay

The Russian River Valley AVA is located approximately 50 miles north of San Francisco in Sonoma County. Situated between the Mayacamas Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, the maritime influence of this cool-climate region brings fog through the river valley to blanket the vineyards each day. Warm days and cool nights encourage distinct varietal characteristics to develop in the elegant grapes grown here.

This year’s Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a rich expression of this celebrated appellation, with its elegant palate of ripe tropical fruit. Subtle notes of sweet caramel and vanilla are framed by a luxurious mouthfeel..

Viticulture Notes

The 2012 growing season in this region was phenomenal. Mild weather with little rainfall provided the ideal conditions for ripening. The grapes from this vintage have created well-balanced wines with intense color and superb flavor concentration.

Winemaking Notes

The grapes for our 2012 Russian River Valley Chardonnay were whole cluster pressed at 145 to 150 gallons per ton for optimal extraction of the varietal’s natural fruit flavors. The juice was kept cold, then racked on light lees, leaving a small portion of solids to ensure a healthy fermentation and increase the richness of the wine during sur lie aging. Each lot was aged sur lie and stirred every four weeks. Following primary fermentation, this Chardonnay underwent malolactic fermentation to create a creamy mouthfeel. The wine was aged in a mixture of new and used French, European and American oak barrels.

Varietal Content Chardonnay

Varietal Origin:     Russian River Valley

Alcohol Level:      13.85%

Titratable Acidity:  0.5 g/100ml

Residual Sugar:    0.58 g/100ml