Spring 2025 Update
Our winemakers at the World of Pinot Tasting in Santa Barbara.
A Spring Letter from our Winemakers:
Spring is almost here, bringing with it renewed life, warmth, and of course, new wines. Warmer weather means it's time for bottling our latest vintages, another successful bud break at our one-acre vineyard, and springtime gatherings.
We've had a relatively mild winter in Truckee, with a few great storms interspersed with clear, warm days perfect for enjoying wine by the fireside. We were fortunate to savor wine both indoors and out, enjoying cozy days by the fireplace and invigorating hikes with our four dogs. Spring promises even warmer weather, the blooming of our small tulip patch, and more opportunities for outdoor wine tasting.
Our March release features the first wine from a unique vineyard location in Dutch Flat – our 2021 174 Chardonnay. This small town in the high Sierra Foothills, once one of the richest gold mining locations in California, boasts the highest elevation vineyard on I-80. Our oaked Chardonnay is steeped in both history and flavor.
Paired with our newly released 2019 Malbec and a limited production 2018 Best Man Pinot Noir, all three will compliment fantastically with all your Spring and Easter Celebrations.
We look forward to seeing you more often as the weather warms and the days lengthen.
Cheers to Spring!
Russ and Katy
Our March Wine Club Selections
2021 Dutch Flat Sierra Foothills Chardonnay
Our limited production Dutch Flat wine is being showcased in our March Selection.
Discover the elegance of Dutch Flat oaked Chardonnay, a wine that balances richness and freshness. It offers aromas of ripe apple of vanilla, along with a creamy texture from oak aging. On the palate, enjoy citrus and stone fruit flavors with a touch of toasty oak.
About the vineyard: High up, at 3,265 feet, our Dutch Flat vineyard clings to the slopes, one of California's true mountain vineyards. This isn't just any vineyard; it's a testament to the rugged spirit of the Gold Rush, planted in the very soil that once fueled fortunes in the historic town of Dutch Flat. Here, the elements reign supreme. The elevation throws down a challenge, testing the vines with every gust of wind and shift in temperature. It's a singular place, where the grapes struggle and thrive, drawing their distinct character from the raw, unyielding land. The wine that emerges is a reflection of this place—honest, untamed, and deeply connected to the mountain. It's a taste of the real California, a story etched in every sip.
2019 Chalk Hill Malbec
Coming from the Chalk Hill AVA in Sonoma county, this wine is aged for 3 years in 50% American and 50% French oak. This is a full bodied wine with a deep purple hue. There are aromas of cedar box, violets and leather, spiced blackberry and toasted oak flavors. Pairs well with heavy lamb dishes, osso bucco, pork chops and fun winter items. It is a truly hedonistic wine.
Tasting notes
Our Malbec is characteristically vibrant, fruit-forward, and full-bodied. It reflects the altitude of the Chalk Hill region. The nose is intense with cedar box, violets and leather.
On the palate, the wine is mellow with supple tannins that flow easily from front to back. Cherry, chocolate, and some floral notes of geranium and morning glory, dominate the flavor profile of this wine. The finish is characteristic of Malbec and comes across with toasty oak blended with fresh ripe berries and spices.
With 14.7% alcohol by volume, this wine is very balanced and has enough alcohol to volatilize the aromas. This malbec is perfect to drink now but will age beautifully through 2022. We recommend decanting this wine for for 30 minutes before serving.
2018 Best Man Pinot Noir
This ruby-hued wine begins with delicate vanilla aromas that lead into bright red cherry tones and hints of chocolate and sea breeze. On the palate, raspberry and black cherry flavors mingle with cedar box and cassis. These are supported by soft tannins and well-structured minerality.
A wine created for all special occasions or simply a fantastic dinner. Enjoy now or lay down for up to 10 years.
Tasting notes
Medium ruby and deep purple hue with full aromas of cassis and sweet spice with a hint of fresh earth. The palate is rich, nearly full-bodied, with ripe black fruit, subtle spice and vanilla. Toasted oak, leather, and dark cherry is sustained on the midpalate. The finish is complex with balanced acidity and mouth-filling tannins that balance the generous fruit intensity of this wine nicely.
Production notes
The 2018 Best Man Pinot is a extended labor of love from the same source as our traditional Pinot Noir. The grapes are from the famous Tondre Grapefield, like our traditional Pinot Noir, but these are hand chosen by the winemaker Russ Jones. We cold soak for a week in Truckee's high altitude chill, slow fermenting with a wild yeast fermentation and let the wine sit with its skins for 2 weeks. This wine is then barrel aged for almost 3 years before bottling.
This is a unique and refined Pinot Noir, and as its process takes much love and care, only a small amount is produced.