2007 CHARDONNAY - RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY / CRESTA RIDGE VINEYARD

Cresta Ridge Vineyard was developed by Gary and Debbie Farrell in 1999. This property is located in Sebastopol within the Green Valley AVA of the Russian River Valley. Sixteen acres are planted to Pinot Noir, Dijon cones 115 and 777 and four acres are planted to Chardonnay, Dijon clones 95 and 76. These clones were selected for their favorable flavor profiles, moderate yields and small berry and cluster size.

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.