Chalk Hill
Chalk Hill is the only 100% estate winery in the Chalk Hill/Russian River Valley AVA in Sonoma County. Founded in 1972, Chalk Hill’s unique topography and climactic and geological diversity allow both Burgundian and Bordeaux varieties to produce world class wines on the Estate. Chalk Hill has been a leader in clonal research for many years and each unique vineyard plot is meticulously matched to the grape variety and clone to which it is best suited. Indeed the winery’s famed Estate Chardonnay is made from the Chalk Hill clone, which was developed at the winery. The quest for quality is the basis for all viticultural and winemaking decisions at Chalk Hill Estate. Winemaker Courtney Foley uses light-handed techniques that allow each bottle to express the essence of the vineyard.
| Website | www.chalkhill.com/ |
|---|---|
| Address | 10300 Chalk Hill Road Healdsburg CA 95448 |
| Wine Maker | Courtney Foley |
| Country | America |
| Region | California |
| Appellation | Oakville, Clarksburg, Sonoma Coast, Chalk Hill, Napa Valley, North Coast, Monterey, Rutherford |
From this Winery
Subtle gold tones shine through in this 2019 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Aromas of red apple and ripe pear meld with hints of honeysuckle and orange-peel and a bit of toasty marshmallow. A bright entry gives way to a creamy, rich texture with extended notes of caramel and Macintosh apple, and a long, clean, juicy finish.
Our 2018 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is dark ruby in color and displays expressive aromas of black cherry and plum backed by subtle notes of mocha and vanilla. The palate is medium bodied with bright acidity and juicy flavors that are characteristic of this cool-climate region. Our Pinot Noir finishes with velvety soft tannins and lingering notes of dark chocolate. This is a fruit-forward, approachable and elegant wine that should be enjoyed upon release.
The 2020 vintage was a dry growing season, with only a few spring showers, but we had good fruit-set and cluster development. Our Sauvignon Blanc grapes came in perfectly ripe and beautiful at harvest. Our 2020 Sauvignon Blanc opens with aromas of lemon curd, grapefruit and white flower. The palate is clean and crisp with flavors of mango and honeydew melon flowing through the long, juicy finish.
THE CHALK HILL 2019 Estate Chardonnay captures the vibrant, complex and classic character of our estate-grown grapes. We are dedicated to making exceptional Chardonnay, and no detail is overlooked. In the vineyard, focused planting of the ideal clone on each vineyard block, managing yields for optimum ripeness and balance, and the work of a dedicated crew are among the keys to our success. Chardonnay is a winemaker’s grape, molded into its most interesting self by native yeast fermentation and aging in carefully chosen French oak barrels and frequent lees stirring. It is a labor-intensive wine, but the rewards are most certainly worth the hard work and attention.
The 2019 harvest started 1-2 weeks later than usual. A wet winter and spring followed by persistent cool temperatures extended the growing season allowing the grapes to mature gradually. Vintners from around the state are praising the full flavors, fresh acidity and superb balance of this year’s crop.
This Chardonnay exhibits beguiling aromas of orange peel, pears, juicy peaches and baked bread. On the palate it is rich and creamy with notes of lemon curd, apple pie, stone fruit and balanced minerality. Our Chardonnay is known for its long, rich and elegant finish, and this vintage is no exception.
Our 2017 Estate Red opens with bold and intense aromas of blackberry, anise, tobacco leaf and dark chocolate. The palate is rich and savory with nuances of vanilla, spice and dark fruit. Though firm, the tannins are rounded by a balanced acidity and a long and smooth finish. Though appealing in its youth, this wine will also age beautifully over the next 15 years.