Greetings from Russian River Valley! We are pleased to introduce you to our newest Chardonnay release from the Bacigalupi Vineyard. The 2017 Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay is available at the winery and through our online store only, boasting bright and vibrant flavors perfect for the longer days and sunny spring weather to come. With only 262 cases produced, and always a fan favorite, you will want to get yours before it sells out!

The Wine

The grapes were harvested in the cool morning hours at ~22° Brix. A quick pass was made through our rows a few days prior to harvest in order to drop fruit that didn’t express the optimal flavor and concentration. As anticipated, the grapes that were delivered to the winery were packed with delicious, vibrant, varietally expressive characteristics. After a very careful hand-sorting, we combined all the fruit in the press, and used a gentle program to extract only the most desirable solids and phenolics. The resulting juice was left in tank to cold-settle overnight before transferring to 35% new and 65% one to three-year-old neutral French Oak Barrels and 500-litre French Oak Puncheons for fermentation and aging, where it remained

for 9 months on its primary lees until it was time to bottle in June. The wines were racked off the primary lees only once, just before bottling.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of fresh apricots, pears, and apple blossoms introduce this Chardonnay from the famed Bacigalupi vineyard. Hints of honeysuckle and jasmine lift gracefully from the glass. Layers of vanilla and pie crust add weight, while floral and citrus elements provide a refreshing lift through the mid palate and onto the finish.

Accolades

• 92 Points | Wine Enthusiast, December 2020
  

The Vineyard

In 1956, Helen and Charles Bacigalupi purchased 121 acres of prime vineyard land along Westside Road, in the heart of the Russian River Valley. In 1964, they were among the first in the area to plant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Bacigalupi family grapes garnered fame in 1976 when they were used to make Chateau Montelena’s winning entry in that year’s Paris Tasting. The oldest vines that remain on the property were planted in 1967 on St. George rootstock and are a mix of head trained and cordon-trained vines. This historic block is one of the main components of our Bacigalupi Chardonnay blend.

The AVA

Imagine a winemaking region just hours north of San Francisco rich in diversity and distinctive terroir, a well-kept secret tucked amongst the towering redwoods and influenced by the Pacific Ocean: the Russian River Valley. Over half a century ago, pioneering growers recognized this region as a place that just might produce Pinot Noir that rivaled the villages of Burgundy. After decades of winemaking and selective planting, our valley has become internationally known for producing pinot that is distinctly American and reflects the natural influences of our terroir.

Intro to Gary Farrell Winery

Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery is a 39-year pioneer of cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley. Winemaker Theresa Heredia joined us in 2012, carrying on our legacy of crafting Burgundian-styled, varietally expressive small-lot artisan wines capturing the balance and stylistic elegance of some of the finest vineyards in the Russian River Valley AVA and beyond; including Rochioli, Allen, Bacigalupi, Hallberg, Ritchie, Olivet Lane, Durell, Gap’s Crown, Fort Ross and Bien Nacido. Theresa works closely with our growers to showcase the exceptional fruit from their vineyards in each of her wines.

Watch the Grower Spotlight Video HERE