2018 Gary Farrell, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California

100% Chardonnay

A Pioneer of Russian River Valley Wine. In 1982 - before the Russian River AVA even existed - Gary Farrell crafted his first wine from fruit grown in the now-legendary Rochioli Vineyard. Widely considered a Grand Cru of the Russian River Valley for more than four decades, Gary Farrell winery produces wines of balance, elegance and pure varietal expression. Today, Gary’s legacy is carried on my winemaker Theresa Heredia, crafting wines to tell their story, from the Russian River Valley and beyond.

Their Russian River Selection bottlings are quintessential Russian River Valley wines blended from some of the winery’s top vineyard sources. They are beautiful expressions of their varietal type and of the appellation’s unique terroir, each blend capturing the richness, purity and elegance that are Gary Farrell Winery’s trademarks. This layered and complex Chardonnay brings together fruit from several of our favorite Russian River Valley vineyard sites. 

This incredibly aromatic Russian River Chardonnay boasts fresh, lifted aromas of honeysuckle, white peach, green apple and honeydew melon. The palate unfolds with flavors of roasted nectarine, Meyer lemon, ginger-honey brioche, lime zest and a just fleck of hazelnut adds layers of richness and complexity. The finish is bright and crisp, with a rich, creamy texture that carries through to the tangy, persistent finish. An absolutely perfect accompaniment to a steamed Maine Lobster dinner. Especially with a squeeze of lemon in the drawn butter to match the lift and freshness in this also rich and complex wine.

2018 Staglin Family Vineyard, ‘Salus’, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California.

100% Chardonnay

Founded in 1985 by Shari, Garen, Brandon and Shannon, Staglin Family Vineyard takes pride in the tradition of family ownership and participation. With an uncompromising commitment to quality, their mission is to produce world-class wines that reflect the distinctive character of this historic Rutherford Bench estate. As stewards of this land, they farm the vineyard organically, tap into their solar fields for power and produce the wines in a state-of-the-art underground production facility. This Chardonnay is produced under their Salus label. Named after the Roman goddess of health and well-being, they donate 100% of the proceeds from the sales of these wines toward fundraising for mental and brain health research, a cause that is very near and dear to our hearts. Over the last 30 years, they have raised over $513 million dollars for this charity.  

The 2018 Salus is rich and expressive with heady aromas of honeysuckle and chamomile surrounding a core of butterscotch inflected citrus and young tropical fruits warmed by subtle spices. Body and texture abound as the swirl of juicy ripe fruits glide across the palate in a seamless flow of unctuous delight kept honest by a refreshing undercurrent of acidity.

2020 Anthill Farms, Chardonnay, Peugh Vineyard, Russian River Valley, California

100% Chardonnay

Anthill Farms is an exciting project that focuses on producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from a broad range of North Coast vineyards. The properties are managed with intensive and meticulous farming practices, with minimal ecological impact. As for winemaking, there are two unchanging goals: to make wines that express the growing site and the characteristics of the vintage above all else, and to make wines that, simply put, taste good. These goals require gentle handling from crushing to bottling, judicious use of oak, and, perhaps most importantly, leaving the wine alone as much as possible. “We didn’t know whether the name was really great or really dumb,” admits Anthill Farms Winery partner Webster Marquez. “It came about because we’re all winemakers and people would see us all scrambling around trying to grab the same hose at once; they said it was like watching a bunch of ants.” This trio of ants—Marquez, Anthony Filiberti and David Low—met while working at Sonoma’s Williams Selyem. Says Marquez, “We realized that we have the same approach—to communicate the way vineyards from cooler areas create distinctive wines.” The partners themselves farm many of the small plots where they buy their grapes, and the results of this labor of love are remarkably seductive wines that combine concentration and finesse. Now that the company has grown from producing 200 cases in 2004 to 1,800 this year, the trio’s work is becoming ever more demanding. Notes Marquez, “It’s a good thing we’re young and don’t need much sleep.” –Food & Wine Magazine’s “Most Promising New Winery” 2009

Their 2020 Chardonnay is gold-green in color. Expressive, spicy aromas of lemon oil, apple, and wet stone. Generous aromatics of fruit and textural appeal on the palate are focused by the lively Peugh acidity. There is an exceptionally long-lasting finish of orchard fruit, savory almond, and sea salt, showcasing all the depth and complexity of these 75-year-old vines. Compelling and delicious texture and tension that will continue to evolve for a dozen years.

PLEASE NOTE

• Purchasers must be 21 years of age or older and be present with an ID upon delivery.

• Price includes 5.50% Maine State sales tax and Maine’s fifteen-cents redemption deposit per bottle.

• If your billing address is different from your delivery address, please include your delivery address in the comments section at checkout.

• *Delivery is by Wine Wise—not third-party carriers. Our delivery area is Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland Foreside, Falmouth, Old Orchard Beach, Portland, Saco, Scarborough, South Portland, and Westbrook. We have a larger delivery area for Wine Club deliveries.