This expressive Chardonnay combines fruit from older vines of two of the most prized vineyards in the Russian River Valley appellation. Blending grapes from River Vineyard on Eastside road and the famed Peters Vineyard in Sebastopol, the 2007 Destino Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a complex, Burgundian-inspired wine. Today, these mature “old vines”, grown in dusty loam, are remarkably self-limiting, producing consistently low yields of 2.5 to 3 tons per acre of rich, structured fruit. Combining the nuanced character of River Vineyard with the vibrancy of the Peter’s Vineyard, the 2007 Russian River Chardonnay has been handcrafted to reflect ripeness and seamless balance. The grapes were pressed in whole clusters, then settled for 36 hours and racked for fermentation in French oak barrels. To add complexity, three distinctive yeasts were employed: a Montrachet selection, CY3079 and native. The wine underwent 100 percent malolactic fermentation, with the lees being stirred twice weekly. The 2007 Russian River Chardonnay was aged for 9 months in barrel and was given an additional 4 months of bottle aging to allow the wine ample time to fully integrate. Tasting Notes: Inspired by the great whites of Montrachet with their signature mix of finesse, lightness, body and bouquet, the 2007 Destino Russian River Chardonnay is sophisticated and balanced. The wine begins with soft aromatics, before delivering rich notes of vanilla, ripe pear and apple on the palate. Total production: 275 cases