Vineyard notes
We have made several chardonnays from the North Coast appellation, from Trinity County on the north to Mendocino County to the south. Our latest effort has been with a small family owned vineyard on the floor of Redwood Valley. Asking other grape growers where I might find some quality chardonnay, I was led to a small, 4-acre parcel, doted over by Abuelo (grandpa) Arreguin. I was impressed. Seldom does a winemaker receive grapes in such perfect condition. We first entered the 2007 vintage in one competition, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition where we received a Silver Medal, a ribbon we are proud to present to Abuelo Arreguin
Production notes
Upon receiving the grapes, we press lightly to extract optimum fruit, monitoring pH as we proceed. After settling in a cold tank, the clear juice is racked into French Oak barrels and innoculated with yeast. When the primary fermentation is complete, the barrels are topped up. Then, for the next six months we roll the barrels monthly. (We have constructed a barrel rack which supports the barrels on "roller skate-like" wheels, so we do not have to open the bung to stir the lees.
Awards
This is a new vineyard for us, recently just receiving a Silver Award from the San Francisco Chronicle.