2018 WALT Bob's Ranch Chardonnay
Critic Review
"This shows a big nose with creme brûlée and Meyer lemon zest with shades of baking spices that complete the seductive aromatics. The mouthfeel is gorgeous here with layers of buttercream, toasted hazelnuts, ripe apricot and shades of nutmeg infused Challah bread. This carries a slight salty nuance. Ripe and seductive, yet showing a good veil of acidity, the wine is gorgeous in its youth and has a long life ahead of it.
93 Points | Wine Spectator, Kim Marcus
"Well-structured and powerful, this is filled with ripe white fruit flavors, lathered in creamy richness. Tropical fruit hints emerge midpalate, with a plush, spicy finish."
92 Points | Wine Advocate, Erin Brooks
"The 2018 Chardonnay Bob's Ranch opens with baked quince, peaches, honeycomb, almonds and a touch of baker's yeast. The palate is medium-bodied, concentrated and savory with uplifting freshness and a long, honeyed finish."
Bob’s Ranch Estate Vineyard
Characterized by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean;
Coastal breezes along with low rolling hills and
morning fog define this cool climate site
Sonoma Coast Appellation
Heavy fog and strong winds tempered by bright
afternoon sunshine
Petaluma Wind Gap
Creates a unique micro-climate within
the appellation, producing distinctive
Pinot Noir
Sandy, Well-draining Soils
Stresses vines into producing grapes of full
varietal intensity
43 Vineyard Blocks on 72 Acres
With an array of clones and field selections,
this ranch produces complex and delicious wines
Vibrant color with a green tinge, this wine has complex aromas of orchard fruit, toasted hazelnut, lightly toasted grain, and freshly struck flint. The palate brings layers of bright fruit coupled with a creamy texture and beautiful bright acidity. The Old Wente field selection’s naturally low yields and unique cluster shape bring and energy and concentration to themid-palate. Perfectly balanced oak adds length and depth to the finish and tames a bit of the lively minerality inherent to this special vineyard site.
Orchard Fruit
Hazelnut
Oak
Minerality
Bob’s Ranch Vineyard is characterized by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Coastal breezes along with low rolling hills and morning fog define this cool climate. This marine layer keeps the vineyard 15 degrees cooler than the rest of the Russian River. The terroir is mostly fine sandy loam soil that gives excellent drainage and leads to low vigor vines and small yields.
| Bottle Size | 750mL |
|---|---|
| Varietal Composition | 100% Chardonnay |
| Barrel Aging | 15 Months in 35% New French Oak (François Frères) |
| Appellation | Sonoma Coast |
| Vineyard | Bob's Ranch Vineyard |
| Vintage Notes | Following a series of warm, early harvests, this year’s growing season returned to a slower rhythm, allowing grapes to ripen gently with deep flavors. Our growers spent the summer and fall manicuring the vine canopies to provide the grapes enough shade from the sun while also preparing adequate airflow to deter mold. When Mother Nature did throw a couple of unpredictable systems at us, we were able to weather the storms and harvest exceptional fruit! |
Mile 372, Bob’s Ranch, Sonoma Coast
