Husch Vineyards Chardonnay
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The always popular estate Chardonnay is crafted with a blend of fruit from Husch’s warm and cool weather vineyards.
- The fruit from the warmer La Ribera Vineyards provides vibrant tropical flavors to the finished wine while their cooler Anderson Valley fruit provides a delicate white stone fruit and floral component with subtle nuances and structure.
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Elaboration: Handpicked and gently pressed the grapes to stainless steel tanks. Once a viable fermentation was underway, the fermenting juice was barreled down to finish off fermentation and begin the maturation process. Stirred and topped every two weeks, the wine aged for nine months in French and American oak barrels with about 15% new.
Tasting Notes: Meandering layered aromas and flavors of white stone fruit, green apple, Meyer lemon and Bosc pear are beautifully framed. This well-structured wine is rich on the palate, sustained by its natural acidity and a light dollop of toasted oak.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Founded in 1971, Husch is the oldest winery in the picturesque Anderson Valley. The vineyards are comprised of some of the earliest varietal plantings on the valley floor. In 1967 Tony and Gretchen Husch bought the 60-acre Nunn ranch between Philo and Navarro on Highway 128. The land was well known for growing apples and grains. They soon planted eight acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gewurztraminer grapes on the cool slopes of the property. The plantings sweep down towards the pristine Navarro River. The first official crush was in the fall of 1971.
In 1979, Hugo Oswald Jr. bought the 6,000 case Husch Winery from the Husch family. The Oswald family had been growing pears in the Santa Clara Valley, but when the area was expanding they sold the land and headed for the southern tip of Mendocino County. Today Husch Vineyards remains owned and operated by the 3rd Generation of the Oswald family: Zac Robinson and Amanda Robinson Holstine. Winemaking is under the direction of Brad Holstine (Amanda’s husband). Al White, in charge of all viticulture operations, has been with Husch since 1974. Through the years Husch has modernized and expanded, but it has never lost its initial rustic charm or reputation for great wines.