Using a special piece of machinery that heat treats specific rows of the vineyard in rapid motion, it decreases the number of mildew sprays and actually increases the phenolics (important flavor contributors) in the grape skins. This results in amplified aromas and black/red fruit characteristics with unusual complexity and layering.
Aged for 18 months in 25% new French Oak, 165 cases
This unfined and unfiltered Chardonnay is crafted to resemble Puligny-Montrachet with lovely mineral tones and a fresh reductive character showing off lemon curd, apple, pear and golden fig fruit, along with hazelnut, clove spice, butterscotch, sea breeze, smoky vanilla and yeasty brioche notes. This golden hued, delicately floral and elegantly rich cool climate Chardonnay goes wonderfully with a range of sea foods and poultry dishes, especially crab and or lobster.
The name alone has made this one of our most popular Special Releases. It is actually a co-fermentation of Jim’s SBC block, and the aforementioned Judy’s Block. The 777 clone, co-fermented with our Special Burgundy clone, produces an outstanding pinot, especially nice for anniversary presents, wedding gifts, or a special dinner.
The 2019 Old Vine and certified organic Rodnick Vineyard Mourvèdre is one of the best yet with inexpressive concentration and depth, while being very elegant and firmly in the house style with smooth tannins and a deep floral perfume; this is a heady and opulent version of this grape, which is most famous in Provence’s Bandol region. Opening with a salvo of peony and seeped rose petals along with red berry compote this Mourvedre adds classic earthy cherry, plum and wild berry fruits on the full bodied palate along with a nice elegant wood note with just a hint of feral meatiness, tarry licorice, mission fig and dusty spices.
A classic Rhone blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, that is delightfully playful, dark garnet/red hued and full of flavor with a medium weight body and easy textures that capture Monterey County's Mediterranean warmth and marine influenced cool/crisp detail.
Aged 24 months in one and two-use French oak, 87 cases
From oldest (1972&1973) Chalone appellation blocks still in production, a lovely amber-tinged garnet: highly aromatic, with hints of pot-pourri, conifer, and sandalwood. Distinctive on the palate, redolent of macerated herbs, tangerine peel and red berries, but lively and intense on the back palate and finish.
Aged 27 months in 100% new French Oak barrel, 23 cases
A co-fermentation of two grand crus clones orgininally from Burgundy, France (Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée), resulting in an elegant flavor profile with many layers and an extended finish.
From a half-acre block of the 777 clone, it is typically blended into the Reserve, but in especially exceptional years it is bottled on it's own, producing a single barrel.
In the French style, its opulent density is very pleasing and its mineral elements and zesty verve deliver energy and elegance. Seamless layers of classic honeysuckle, apricot, peach pit tanginess, faint citrus marmalade, verbena/orange honeycomb, subtle wood nuances and crunchy chalky stones.
The palate is vibrant with youthful freshness, but with ripe layering and depth showing the hallmarks of classic Diane’s Block character and warmth. The nose is compelling with rose petal floral detail, red fruit that leads to strawberry/rhubarb, plum and spiced vine-picked raspberry, a core of cherry fruit and mineral tones, bright acidity and hint of orange tea.
This 100% whole cluster fermentation is a heady mix of floral and spicy goodness with ripe red fruits such as strawberries, pomegranate, and tangy plum. The palate is luxurious and has creamy tannins and a whole cluster dynamic tension that is riveting with a youthful lively backbone of acidity to balance it all.
