2021 Balverne Chardonnay
Russian River Valley
Our Balverne Chardonnay displays aromas of ripe green & golden apples, lemons, butterscotch, and marshmallow. The rich palate follows with a variety of orchard fruits, melons, lemons, and a lingering hint of spice. Full-bodied but still crisp, this wine will pair beautifully with everything from roast chicken to summer fruit salads. Sweet & spice flavors dominate the flavor profiles in this 100% French oak program with 20% new barrels.
Double Gold Medal
- 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Competition (90 Points)
92 Points
- 2022 Wine Enthusiast
Gold Medal
- 2023 International Womens Wine Competition (90 Points)
Gold Medal
- 2024 OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition (91 Points)
Gold Medal
- 2024 Critics Challenge (91 Points)
In Stock
Wine Specs
Vintage
2021
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Russian River Valley
Acid
4.99 g/L
pH
3.64
Aging
5 Months in Barrel
Residual Sugar
.6 g/L
Alcohol %
14.2
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
This wine displays aromas of ripe green & golden apples, lemons, butterscotch, and marshmallow. The palate follows with a variety of orchard fruits, melons, lemons, and a lingering hint of spice.
Vineyard Notes
All of our Chardonnay is picked from Block 10, Clone 17, from the middle of our Estate just south of the winery. Cane pruned vines with southern exposure give this block ideal ripening with a wide range of flavor profiles. We picked four separate lots, at different ripeness, over a two-week period to achieve a broader palate of flavors for this traditional barrel fermented wine.
Winemaker Notes
This night-picked fruit was sorted and destemmed before going to the press where 65% is free-run juice. Cold-settled juice is transferred to barrels to naturally warm in the cool cellar for Native fermentation. Non-saccharomyces yeast was used for sulfite reduction prior to primary fermentation. Barrel stirring started during primary fermentation and continues through malolactic fermentation on a varied schedule for 5 months. Aged in 100% French oak with 20% new barrels.
Food Pairing Notes
Full-bodied but still crisp, this wine will pair beautifully with everything from roast chicken to summer fruit salads.