Chardonnay, Banfield Vineyard, Russian River Valley – 2013
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Vineyard Profile
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The Banfield Vineyard Chardonnay comes from the northern edge of the Green Valley, a sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley. Due to the cooling influence of coastal fog, this vineyard is ideal for growing Chardonnay. This dry-farmed vineyard was planted in 1980 to the Wente selection of Chardonnay, a highly prized selection known for its small, loose clusters and intensely flavored grapes. The 30-plus-year-old vines are rare in the Russian River Valley and produce lower yields per acre. What’s lost in tonnage is more than compensated for in flavor and quality as is evidenced through the wines produced year after year. We are proud to work with Banfield, where the combination of site and vine age represent a truly unique and distinct vineyard.
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Vinification
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Barrel Program: 40% new French oak, 60% neutral barrels
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 163 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- TA: 5.4g/L
- p H: 3.59
- Release Date: Spring 2015
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Tasting Notes
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The Chardonnay blocks in Banfield Vineyard are some of the coolest sites with which we work. The vineyard sits in a protected pocket of the Russian River Valley that collects cool air in the mornings, and warms up slowly only when the morning sun peeks over the surrounding hills. This unique microclimate is expressed quite transparently in the wine with delicate, sweet floral notes prevailing on the nose, and an elegance, lightness and minerality driving the palate. Aromas of lime curd, orange blossom, wet granite and baking spices emanate from the glass. The wine is silky on the mid-palate, with notes of pear skin, spiced pear and lemon oil carrying the long finish. Drink 2015 through 2025.
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Images
Reviews
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Chardonnay, Banfield Vineyard, Russian River Valley – 2013 – 94 points, Cellar Selection – Wine Enthusiast
“From one of the producer’s coolest sites, this wine has a nose of wet gravel and lime peel, enveloped in oaky caramel and toast with Meyer lemon jam. A mouthwatering structure of spicy acidity underlies it all.”
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Chardonnay, Banfield Vineyard, Russian River Valley – 2013 – 96 points – Vinous
“A dramatic, large-scaled wine, the 2013 Chardonnay Banfield Vineyard is the most unctuous, powerful Chardonnay in this lineup. A host of apricot jam, orange blossom, mint, honey and smoke meld together as this richly textured Chardonnay shows …”
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Chardonnay, Banfield Vineyard, Russian River Valley – 2013 – 93 points – Wine Spectator
"Shows off a creamy, woody vanilla presence that accents the ripe fig, honeydew and subtle citrus shadings, fanning out and gaining herb and savory underbrush nuances."
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Chardonnay, Banfield Vineyard, Russian River Valley – 2013
An elegance, lightness and minerality drive the palate. Aromas of lime curd, orange blossom, wet granite and baking spices emanate from the glass. The wine is silky on the mid-palate with pear skin, spiced pear and lemon oil carrying the long finish.