2023
Chardonnay
Vintner’s Select
$36
TA: 5.2 g/l
pH: 3.6
Brix at harvest: 23-24
Harvest date: 9/14-10/10/2023
Oak: New American oak 100%(3 and 4 year air dried)
Bottled: 7/2024
Winemaker’s Notes:
“The Chardonnay that comes from the San Francisco Bay appellation possesses a unique focus of character. While being in a warmer, mediterranean climate, the two vineyards which make up this Chardonnay are both located along the eastern edge of the SF Bay. The sloping, rolling hills of the Kalthoff common creates a microclimate ideal for drainage and retaining the cool air that prolongs the growing season. Additionally, the Lamorinda appellation just north of Livermore Valley has a strong delta influence keeping the vineyard a very cool region 3.
I was a non-believer of Chardonnay from this appellation when I arrived here in 2004. Today, I will put this wine against any Chard on the shelf at the price point. The appellation is under-valued. It is one of the more exciting wines that I work with.”
Dane Stark, winemaker
Tasting Notes:
The barrel fermentation of this Chardonnay adds complexity and structure.
It has opening notes of hints of butter, shortbread, lemon, fruit and honey suckle.
It has a lovely,light yellow, straw color.
The palate entry has floral components with spice, elegant and restrained fruit in the California style and a balanced and pleasing mid palate. The acidity is tempered making this an excellent food wine but one that drinks all by itself just fine! There is honey, graham cracker, almond and buttercup in the finish with lingering bright floral and a gentle structure of new oak barrels.
2022
Pinot Noir
San Francisco Bay
$45
TA: 6.1 g/l
pH: 3.3
Brix at harvest: 24.8
Harvest date: 9/18/2022
Aging treatment: American and French Oak
Winemaker’s Notes:
“Life holds tiny pockets of unexpected brilliance, if we look for them.
While Pinot is difficult to grow in our appellation, not far from here, just to the north, is a place that is magical when growing Pinot.
North of 24, in the hills of Lafayette, I have found a gem of a vineyard.
This Pinot vineyard is the brain child of world traveler, Steve Thomas, and he has spared no expense in creating an ideal location for growing this finicky varietal….
This wine is a blend of the 115, 667, 777 and Pommard clones of Pinot.
From my years of making Pinot out of Santa Maria Valley, I love the delicate presence of 115 and unctuous character of Pommard clone.”
Dane Stark, winemaker
Tasting notes:
Clear red velvet through the center, the wine is filled with clarity.
This wine has classic Pinot Noir fruit, with characteristic floral notes and structure combined with a smooth palate. The location is ideal for a cooler climate Pinot.
It has a delicate backbone of cherries and spice with floral notes and a light oak presence that lingers on the edges. The finish is Burgundian and clean with soft tannins.
This wine will age fine, but life can be short…. It should be opened on any given Tuesday…. “just because”.
2022
Malbec
Livermore Valley
$36
TA: 5.5 g/l
pH: 3.5
Brix at harvest: 24
Harvest date: 10/21/2022
Aging treatment: 20% New American Oak blend of forests
Winemaker’s Notes:
As we explore the Livermore Valley, becoming enchanted by the variety and quality this unique wine region has to offer, the Bordeaux varietals cannot be ignored, especially the left bank wines.
This vineyard is close to the winery providing generous yields with ample canopy.
This varietal is a wonderful stand alone wine, with complexity for days.”
Dane Stark, winemaker
Tasting Notes:
Medium dark ruby in color.
This wine opens with heavy fruit on the nose of plums, spice, berries, big fruit, earth, smoke and a touch of oak. Medium intensity entry leads to a full and developed mid palate with soft tannins around the back of the palate, integrated acidity and a lingering sweet finish. Hints of light oak surround a very structured and pleasing mid-palate.
The balance of the fruit and structure provide for aging potential for a number of years.