Chardonnay, of course, originated in Burgundy, France, where the combination of climate, terroir, and tradition produces wines coveted by enthusiasts worldwide. What makes Chardonnay so fascinating (at least to me!) is its remarkable versatility. Depending on where the grapes are grown and how the winemaker chooses to work with them, it can yield rich, buttery wines like many Napa Chards, as well as lean, mineral-driven ones - think of a Chablis.
Here in California, a diversity of terroirs creates excellent conditions for Chardonnay. As most of you know, I have a preference for cooler climates. Our 2023 Origin Chardonnay is sourced from Green Valley, a sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley AVA. Located in the southwestern corner of Sonoma County, Green Valley is one of the coolest and most distinctive subregions in the Russian River Valley. It's cool, coastal-influenced climate is marked by heavy, persistent fog. The nearby Pacific Ocean sends in fog through the Petaluma Wind Gap, making Green Valley one of the last places in Sonoma County where fog burns off each day - and it’s often the first to see it return in the afternoon. This extended coolness creates a long growing season, allowing grapes to ripen slowly while maintaining high acidity and aromatic complexity - an ideal environment for cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir and, in our case, Chardonnay.
The dominant soil in Green Valley is Goldridge, a fine sandy loam, covering about 60% of the AVA. This light, well-drained, slightly silty soil is of marine origin, formed from ancient sea beds. Its excellent drainage naturally limits vine vigor, encouraging smaller berries and more concentrated flavors. At the same time, the soil’s subtle clay content retains enough moisture to support vine health through dry summer months.
This special terroir imparts subtle minerality and delightful floral notes to our wine. The long, mild growing season of 2023 presented ideal conditions for Chardonnay, allowing its layers of flavor and freshness to truly shine.
