Martha Stoumen Wines "Honeymoon" 2019

Varietal:

75% Colombard, 25% Chardonnay

Alcohol:

12%

Vinification Notes:

Both the Chardonnay and Colombard were harvested by hand, kept whole-cluster, and gently foot tread before pressing. After pressing, the juice was settled and then racked to neutral oak barrels to begin fermentation. We taste the juice lees during racking to determine how much to include (discarding overly bitter-tasting lees) and then re-distribute the lees evenly across all barrels. The juice fermented in barrel and was kept on its lees for 9 months before racking and final blending. Just like 2018, we filtered this year’s Honeymoon to preserve the small amount of remaining residual sugar. 

Vineyard:

Colombard from Ricetti Vineyard in Redwood Valley; planted in 1948; dry farmed (no irrigation); certified organic.

Chardonnay from Hawkeye Vineyard in Redwood Valley; organic. 

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of wildflower honey and alpine herbs, alongside a hint of hazelnut and golden apple skin; reminiscent of Roussette de Savoie. While this year’s Honeymoon has less weight compared to last year’s botrytized vintage, the bright acidity, rounded texture, and slightly bitter finish nicely balance a honeyed core.