2021, Senses Wines, Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Beautifully textured and expressive, with bright crunchy fruit layered with honeysuckle, lime blossom, and beeswax, finishing with ginger spice and refined freshness.

 

About the Winery: Senses Wines is the creation of three childhood friends ‚¬” Christopher, Max, and Myles ‚¬” who partnered with acclaimed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown to produce exceptional wines from northern Californiaof most coveted vineyards. Established in 2011, the winery crafts world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from estate and family-owned sites in the West Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley. Their philosophy is rooted in minimal intervention: meticulous vineyard care allows the wines to express purity, balance, and a clear sense of place. The ‚¬œ3‚¬ in their logo symbolises the three founders and the three wine senses ‚¬” sight, scent, and sip.

 

Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay ‚ sourced from three vineyards within the Russian River Valley AVA, predominantly from Bush Vineyard near Dutton Ranch. Planted with Old Wente and Hyde clones, the vines grow in Goldridge soils ‚¬” rare sandy loam with excellent drainage ‚¬” which foster aromatic intensity and finesse. The cool, foggy microclimate allows for long hang times, producing concentrated fruit balanced by natural acidity. The vineyards are certified as *Sonoma County Sustainably Farmed Grapes*.

 

Vintage: 2021 saw a dry winter with below-average rainfall and a cool spring that delayed budbreak. Low yields and small berries contributed to concentrated flavours and fine texture. A steady, temperate harvest season produced Chardonnay with great aromatic lift and freshness.

 

Winemaking: Grapes were hand-harvested and barrel-fermented using indigenous yeasts to preserve terroir character. The wine was aged for 14 months in 100% French oak (10% new, 90% used barrels). Gentle baonnage was performed to enhance mouthfeel, with stirring tailored to each barrel to maintain balance and elegance.

 

Appearance: Pale gold with hints of green, showing clarity and brilliance.

 

Aroma: Fragrant and complex, combining notes of honeysuckle, lime blossom, beeswax, and ripe citrus with subtle oak spice and mineral undertones.

 

Palate: Bright and concentrated, with layers of citrus and stone fruit framed by beeswax texture and a delicate hint of ginger on the finish. Balanced acidity and fine oak integration provide precision and length.

 

Body: Medium to full-bodied with creamy yet taut texture.

 

Acidity: Fresh and balanced, enhancing clarity and structure.

 

Cellaring Potential: Enjoy now or cellar for 6‚8 years for added complexity and richness.

 

Perfect Pairing: Excellent with roast chicken, lobster in butter sauce, or wild mushroom risotto.

 

Serving Temperature: Serve at 12‚14°C to highlight texture and balance.

 

Contains sulphites. Information provided to the best of our knowledge at time of publication and subject to change by vintage.