2007 CHARDONNAY - RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY / WESTSIDE FARMS

Growers Ron and Pam Kaiser produce premium quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on their 40 acre vineyard on Westside Road along the banks of the Russian River. The Chardonnay is a particular favorite of Gary’s. The deep, river-deposited sandy loam soils, where the cool evenings prolong the ripening process, yield elegant, intense fruit.

2007 was another example of our region’s remarkable consistency. The short rainy season with less than usual amounts of rain, coupled with the warm spring temperatures led to an early bud break. Subtle spring heat spikes and wind conditions contributed to varying degrees of “shatter” in the vineyard. “Shatter” is when flowers bloom on the vine but don’t get pollinated, thus preventing their development into berries. This shatter, together with the previous year’s large yields, led to a relatively light crop which in turn resulted in smaller berries showing very intense flavor and great color. Once bud break occurred, our weather steadied, making for near perfect ripening conditions which lasted all the way through harvest. It certainly appears that the 2007 vintage from the Russian River Valley will turn out to be one of significant depth and concentration.

Release Date: May 1, 2009 Cases Produced: 379