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Lioco 2021 'Estero' Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California, USA
Vintage 2021 saw another year of extreme drought in California and set the table for a record-small crop. The intelligent plants responded by setting very few clusters in the spring. The clusters that made it were miniaturized, doll-house, baby clusters. Growers were not pleased. Winemakers were though. Small yields equal greater concentration. The 2021 Estero showcases our three perennial Russian River Valley vineyards farmed by John Balletto--one of them neighboring the esteemed Littorai estate on Burnside Road.
Winemaker: Drew Huffine
Farming: Sustainable
Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
Terroir: This wine is made from a selection of our favorite Russian River vineyards. All sites are situated 10-15 miles from the coast, with gravelly loam + sandstone soils planted to Clone 4, Dijon 95 + 96, and Curtis clone. This growing region is distinguished by its complex relationship with the cold Pacific Ocean, omnipresent fog, ancient redwoods, and the Russian River itself.
Vinification/Aging: 11.6 tons hand-harvested between Aug 26 and Sept 27. Berries were destemmed and gently crushed before going to press. All lots fermented on wild yeasts and aged seperately for 10 months in 600L neutral oak puncheons, before being racked off the lees to steel for an additional 6 months. A slow malolactic fermentation completed. Cross-flow filtered prior to bottling.
Tasting Note: Aromas of slate, lemon oil, and celery leaves. Flavor notes of almond, ginger root, and Golden Delicious apple. Pair with za'atar chicken, miso baked cod, or gruyere omelette.