Cruse Rorick Vineyard Chardonnay 2023

This is a full, round, creamy Chardonnay, but one that’s extremely well balanced by fresh acidity and a grainy texture, as well as aromas of pear, peach, nectarine, cinnamon, and white pepper, all rounded off by a long finish. The expressive nose is filled with white flower and concentrated citrus: neroli oil and tangerine. The weight is viscous and oily but with a bright, cleansing acidity. A mineral palate of wet stone and earth. 

This wine comes from a unique site high in the Sierra Foothills just outside of the town of Murphys. The vines are own-rooted and planted in 1974 in schist soils over a limestone bedrock and was recently purchased by Matthew Rorick and his family. The vine age, elevation, and rocky soils create incredibly low-yielding vines with the tiniest of clusters.

The grapes were hand harvested and gently pressed using a long Champagne press cycle for extra complexity and mouthfeel, before the juice was transferred to neutral oak barrels for spontaneous fermentation and aging. 

Ready to drink now, but could age for another 5-10 years.