Description
What kind of wine it is
This still white from California, produced by De Loach, is a structured expression in which Chardonnay reveals its natural intensity. The full, rounded and creamy sip is balanced by lively acidity. The bouquet opens with aromas of orange blossom, lime zest and honeysuckle, blending with notes of mandarin and nutmeg. On the palate it is full-bodied, leading to a medium-long finish with a clear mineral character, enhanced by subtle hints of oak. A wine with a complex aromatic profile, ideal for pairing with flavourful fish and mushroom risottos.
Where it comes from
The grapes come from the Russian River Valley, a renowned area in Sonoma County, California. This region is famous for its ideal climate conditions for producing wines with defined structure and a pronounced mineral component. De Loach selects the vineyards following a strict approach based on organic and biodynamic farming, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. This deep connection to the land translates into a clear expression of ripe fruit and a clean, vibrant finish on the palate.
How it is produced
Vinification begins with whole cluster pressing and subsequent spontaneous fermentation triggered by indigenous yeasts. The process continues by creating a blend between a portion matured in stainless steel tanks and a part left to evolve in French oak barrels. To enrich the structure, the portion in wood undergoes partial or complete malolactic fermentation. The wine then rests on the fine lees with regular bâtonnage for ten months. The prolonged ageing in barrels, lasting about fourteen months, imparts enveloping and warm sensations of lemon cream and fresh butter.
History and Curiosities
Originating from Santa Rosa, California, De Loach Chardonnay embodies the excellence of the renowned Russian River Valley. This prestigious winery cultivates its own vineyards following strict organic and biodynamic practices, demonstrating a deep and ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. The 2021 vintage stands out for its exceptional quality, confirmed by major international accolades such as 91 points from Wine Spectator and the prestigious “Best of Class” award at the American Fine Wine Competition.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
12 - 14 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
When this Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Zinfandel Great were purchased by the scion of a prominent French wine company, the focus of the operation became less "mainstream," not more. Like Benziger, Deloach celebrates its organic and Biodynamic certified status and encourages visitors to learn more in its garden experience and tasting flights.
Owners Suzanne Hagins and Chris Condos are so committed to making wine only from certified organic grapes, they say so right on the label! It’s not as common as you might think. Both career winemakers, this husband and wife team have managed to put together a little garden oasis amid the apple trees of Sebastopol. They also pour organic cider, with wine fresh from the tap at their stylish tasting room. Look for their new certified organic wine, too — which means no sulfites added — when it’s available, as well as a Biodynamic wine or two. Read more
| Name | De Loach Winery Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2022 |
|---|---|
| Type | White still |
| Denomination | Sonoma Valley AVA |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | United States of America |
| Region | California |
| Vendor | De Loach |
| Story | History and Curiosities Originating from Santa Rosa, California, De Loach Chardonnay embodies the excellence of the renowned Russian River Valley. This prestigious winery cultivates its own vineyards following strict organic and biodynamic practices, demonstrating a deep and ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. The 2021 vintage stands out for its exceptional quality, confirmed by major international accolades such as 91 points from Wine Spectator and the prestigious "Best of Class" award at the American Fine Wine Competition. |
| Origin | Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California (United States) |
| Production technique | Whole bunch pressing; fermentation with indigenous yeasts (partly in stainless steel and partly in French oak barriques); bâtonnage on the lees; partial or total malolactic fermentation; ageing in French oak |
| Wine making | After pressing the whole bunch, the must ferments with indigenous yeasts; fermentation takes place partly in stainless steel (40%) and partly in French oak barriques (60%, about 10% new), with bâtonnage on the lees for 10 months; partial or complete malolactic fermentation occurs on the portion fermented in barriques; ageing in French oak for about 14 months (9–14 months on the lees for the portion in barriques). |
| Aging | Aged in French oak for about 14 months (9–14 months on the lees for the portion in barrique), with bâtonnage on the lees for 10 months. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |