2019 Elias Chardonnay 750ml
Vineyards: Our Elias Chardonnay is made from our estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley. The 2019 Elias is made from Chardonnay grown on our Slusser and Home Ranches. These vines, now 30 years old, are coolly ablaze in red and yellow lichens and producing wines of profound depth.
Russian River Valley 2019: Winter was mild and very wet, delaying bud break and setting the stage for a dry farmed year in the RRV. Degree-days tracked a bit higher than 2018, with ideal weather and no temperature spikes, until September heat pushed things along. We harvested soon after the Autumnal Equinox at an average 24 o Brix, TA 0.65 g/100 mL and pH of 3.37.
Winemaking: The 2019 Elias Chardonnay was hand harvested at dawn and brought to the crush pad by tractor. The grapes were carefully hand sorted and whole cluster pressed into stainless steel tanks to settle. After racking off the heavy grape lees, the Chardonnay was 100% barrel fermented. In the spring of 2020, the best barrels were chosen for Elias and given extended time on lees. The wine was sur lie aged for 13 months, with monthly battonage. The 2019 Elias was fermented and aged in 50% new, French and Hungarian oak barrels from Trust, Remond, Marcel Cadet and Fouailly.
Tasting Notes: A luminescent and pale gold our 2109 Elias Chardonnay’s aromas burst from the glass Ella like- elegant, sweet, and brimming with vitality. Aromas of Anjou pear, Manuka honey, pomelo zest, brioche and hazelnut are woven into flavors of grilled Meyer lemon, pepitas (toasted pumpkin seeds), pink lady apples and crème fraiche. A dancer too, it finishes with a long, effortless glide across the palate. (Tasted 1-27-22)
Variety
100% Chardonnay
Vineyard Location
Slusser & Home Ranches in the Russian River Valley
Age of Vines: 28 years
Alcohol: 14.2%
pH: 3.35
Titratable Acidity: 0.67 g/100 mL
Residual Sugar: 0.16%
Avg. Brix at Harvest: 24o
Harvest Date
September 27, October 1 and 2, 2019
Fermentation
100% Barrel Fermented
Fermentation Temp.
Cellar Temperature
Malolactic fermentation
100%
Length/Type of Aging
13 months in 60-gal oak barrels on lees.
Oak Types
Fifty percent new French and Hungarian oak from Trust, Remond, Marcel Cadet and Fouailly cooperages.
Bottling Date: January 15, 2021
Number of Cases: 274
Vegan