How does Nick Goldschmidt do it?
I can’t imagine anyone else selling a Russian River Chardonnay like this even for $30. Let alone $19.99.
Goldschmidt says:
I have worked this vineyard since 1990. This gentle east face slope and morning sun exposure vineyard, avoids the hot afternoon temperatures. East-facing slopes are important to maintain acid and fresh fruit flavors that hold true in tasting the wine as well.
Sitting on a slight bench above the cooling influence of the Russian River itself, the vines ripen much slower the vineyards higher up. Starting in August the morning fogs roll in and shroud the valley completely. This allows for longer than usual hang time for flavor ripeness rather than allowing the sugars to run away. The overall season is longer than others though and the longer hang-times translate into more fresh fruit giving more complexity and depth.
The VERGE is traditionally pruned, but has been placed on a more modern trellis. This reduces humidity diseases by increasing air flow and light exposure. The benefit is more even ripening and gives the wine a more mineral flavor. This is an extraordinary site but unfortunately it is very low yield at around 2t/a so a rare wine indeed.
Fragrant aromas of passion fruit, melon, and nectarine lead into complex flavors of citrus, peach, fig, honey, and spice. Mouthwatering, savory minerality appears and lingers in the long finish. This lightly oaked wine is well balanced with a creamy texture and a firm structure.
