Region
Russian River Valley, one of the United States’ top-ranked wine regions, is located at the heart of Sonoma County. The area generally lies between Sebastopol and Santa Rosa in the south, and Forestville and Healdsburg in the north. It is one of California’s coolest and foggiest AVAs (particularly in its southern and western portions), and its cool growing season and long, slow ripening period promotes complexity and balance in the wines. As a result, Russian River Valley wines are widely respected, particularly those made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Vineyard
The La Bombe Chenin Blanc is sourced from the Wilson Vineyards located in Clarksburg, California. The Wilson Vineyards have been operating for 4 generations, supplying winemakers in Sonoma County with some of the highest quality fruit in the region. The soils are rich in organic material with high mineral content. Clarksburg farms and ranches have direct access to abundant water that flows down the Sacramento River from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The cooling winds off San Francisco Bay travel up the Delta to endow the appellation with ideal climate. The area’s warm days and cool nights provide premium viticulture conditions.
Winemaking
Fermented in 100% French Oak 500L Puncheons. Barrel aged for 10 months in 100% neutral, French Oak 500L Puncheons.
Varieties
Chenin blanc (known also as Pineau de la Loire among other names) is a white variety from the Loire Valley of France. Its high acidity means it can be used to make everything from sparkling wines to well-balanced dessert wines. Wine expert Jancis Robinson has noted that Chenin blanc is probably the world’s most versatile grape, being able to produce quality wines of various sweetness, including dessert wines noted for their aging ability, as well as sparkling made according to the méthode champenoise and fortified wines. In the best vintages the grapes can be left on the vines to develop noble rot, producing an intense, viscous dessert wine which may improve considerably with age.
Tasting Notes
Bright green-yellow in colour. Aromas of green melon, honeysuckle and lychee circulate with a flinty, woodsy charm. Flavours of wild flower honey, passion fruit, sweet limes and crushed stone are brought together with a satiny texture and a persistent finish.