2020 Sunflower Sutra

VINEYARDS: 50% Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands & Petaluma Gap), 45% Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands, El Dorado, Mendocino Ridge), 5% Pinot Meunier (Russian River)

The grapes were harvested slightly riper than is typical in Champagne. These cool climate sites retain their acidity amazingly well even at slightly higher ripeness levels. The wine showcases the lean, mineral driven quality of coastal Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and is rounded out by the more generous Pinot Meunier fruit character. 12.5% ABV.

WINEMAKING: The grapes were hand-harvested and fermented in a combination of stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels. The wines were aged separately for 5 months before blending and bottling for secondary fermentation. 50% of the blend underwent malolactic fermentation to soften the acid profile and lend a savory component. Aged 10 months en tirage before being disgorged by hand at our winery. No dosage.

TASTING NOTES: Lemon Zest. Red Apple Skin. Pear. Marzipan. Wet stone.