Senses Wines El Diablo Russian River Chardonnay 2021

The grapes come from the El Diablo vineyard, which sits on a ridge above Eastside Road in the Russian River Valley AVA. Planted in 2008 by then vineyard manager Ulises Valdez. Valdez told the Senses Wines team that “when you work hard, the fruit always tastes better”, that sentiment holds very true for the El Diablo vineyard. The vineyard comprises Old Wente Selection Chardonnay clones and is planted in 4'x6' spacing. The soils are gravelly and sandy loam, which offer excellent drainage properties with a tight clay subsoil which retains water to sustain the vines. The warm climate is tempered by the cool, coastal breezes and the trademark fog that lingers over the vineyards, brings moisture and has a cooling effect on the vines. The result is a long hang-time, during which the vines slowly build aromatic complexity, concentrated flavours, superbly balanced by natural, crisp freshness. The vineyard is certified as Sustainably Farmed Grapes and the grapes are manually harvested.

The grapes were barrel-fermented with indigenous yeasts from the vineyard to fully express the site. The wine underwent careful bâtonnage, the amount and frequency was carefully tailored to the barrel. The wine was matured for 14 months in 100% French oak, of which 30% was new, 70% was second or third passage.