This chardonnay hails from the beautiful, hillside, Lone Oak Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. It was lovingly handcrafted in a combination of fermentation vessels, including French oak barrels and puncheons, and two traditional Burgundian concrete eggs. The eggs are special: it is not only the traditional method used in Burgundy to create some of the greatest Chardonnays, but its unique shape and design create a vortex that keeps the lees in constant motion, adding to mouthfeel and structure. The eggs also emphasize the "mineralite" of the wine and enhance balance. We used different yeasts with each barrel, puncheon, and egg, creating additional layers of complexity and nuance to the final wine and bringing out different aspects of the fruit.
