2007 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Cresta Ridge Vineyard
GRAPE SOUCE
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.
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WINEMAKING NOTES
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.
TASTING NOTES
The 2007 Cresta Ridge Chardonnay shows intense aromas and flavors of candied lemon peel, Gravenstein apple, fresh ginger and melon. Other aromas and flavors include a fresh white floral perfume and a pronounced chalk dust or gravel-like minerality, which is a signature of this vineyard. Toasty oak notes of popcorn and angel food cake also make an appearance. Consume this sophisticated beauty over the next two to four years.
Bottled: June 7, 2008
Winemaker: Susan Reed
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 14.3%
Case Production: 193
Released: May 2009
Appellation: Russian River Valley
PAST VINTAGES 
2006 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Cresta Ridge Vineyard 2005 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Cresta Ridge Vineyard 2004 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Cresta Ridge Vineyard 2003 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Cresta Ridge Vineyard