GLF Russian River Chardonnay
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Russian River Valley bottling is anchored by the Mes Filles Vineyard in the Sebastopol Hills and the Lorenzo Vineyard in the Santa Rosa plain.
- Balance and complexity are the watchwords for this Euro-centric rendition of a California Chardonnay.
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Elaboration: The fruit was whole-cluster membrane-pressed directly to the barrel without any settling off of the juice solids, which cuts against the grain of most processors. Conducted entirely with wild (uninoculated) 1o and 2o fermentation. The wine was aged on the yeast lees for 24 months in one-third new French oak barrels, with many of the coopers being small artisanal family-operated Burgundian tonnelleries. The length of time on the lees is unusual for a California Chardonnay and allowed for complete yeast autolysis, which enriched the wine and added depth and creaminess, similar to what a sparkling wine producer would look for with extended en tirage. This is an exceptional treatment for such a wine, relying on the strength of the vineyards to carry the extensive barrel time to a successful completion.
Tasting Notes: Built to last the ages, the nose presents brioche, toasted almonds/hazelnuts and stone fruit, flavors that are echoed on the multi-textured palate. Extended lees contact integrates the ample acidity and phenolic components which build a strong backbone that will allow this wine to not only endure the test of time but embrace the years gracefully.
PRESS
2021 – 94 American Fine Wine International, San Francisco
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
GLF is the dream of Greg La Follette and Kevin Lee. Their wine embodies the relationship between the land, the hands of friends and family, and the voice of terroir. Their goal is to offer wines of exceptional quality and value, produced using small-lot artisanal techniques that deliver the flavor profile of each unique vineyard.
Greg La Follette is known throughout the wine world as a “vine whisperer” and “cellar magician” for his handcrafted wines. He has designed wineries, consulted at UC Davis, launched brands, managed wine operations, and founded wineries. He now presides over winemaking and viticulture at GLF and sister brand, Marchelle Wines, which is solely focused on small-batch old vines grape varietals. GLF consults with and sources its grapes only from highly regarded vineyards in the region.