2017 Chateau Buena Vista Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Winemaker’s Notes Highlighting the Sonoma Coast ter-roir, the grapes are grown in a cool climate, allowing them to ripen over an extended time resulting in rich, concentrated flavors. The fruit was hand harvested from prominent Pinot Noir vineyards across the Sonoma Coast including Thornton Ranch, DeLoach Estate, Pennacchio, van der Kamp, Sonoma Stage and Starkey vineyards. Made with minimal intrusive winemaking, the wine was aged in 25% new French oak barrels for 11 months. This rich Pinot Noir opens with red fruit aromas accent-ed by currants and orange zest. Raspberry and cherry flavors continue through to the palate and are comple-mented by notes of dark chocolate and blackberry. Show-casing bright acidity and a medium-bodied weight, the finish is long and lingering.
2017 Chateau Buena Vista Chardonnay, Carneros
Winemaker’s Notes Due to the geological diversity of vineyards within the Carneros appellation, grapes were hand harvested based upon optimum ripeness and flavor maturity from sites including Herman, Thornton Ranch and Southern Sonoma. The grapes were whole cluster pressed, 100% barrel fermented and completed secondary fermentation. The wine was aged in 30% new French oak for 14 months. Tropical aromas spring from the glass with a note of lemon custard pie. Mango and pineapple flavors are layered with baked peaches and creamy vanilla that spreads across the palate. This Chardonnay has bright acidity, a good richness and a long finish.
Jean-Pierre Launois Brut “Tradition”
The Tradition offers a window into the winemaking philosophy of the Launois family. After 12 hours of cold soak, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. Base wines undergo malolactic fermentation and extended lees contact before assemblage. All bottles are hand riddled by Julien and disgorged “A la Voleé.” The result offers a beautiful golden color, fine and persistent mousse, delicate nose of small white fruits and a palate with pear, apple and a rich mouthfeel. A complex and creamy finish leave a lasting impression of this finesse driven and seductive Champagne. 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir. 400 cases produced.
Jean-Pierre Launois Brut “Blanc de Blancs”
The finest Chardonnay grapes grown on slopes overlooking the famous “Clos du Mesnil” Vineyard are selected for the entry level blanc de blancs. Base wines are fermented in stainless steel and undergo malolactic fermentation for ten weeks. Hand riddling takes place over 3-4 weeks before being disgorged “A la Voleé.” The Blanc de Blancs is bright gold with green highlights. The delicate nose shows aromas of white flowers and dough, while the palate is fresh and floral, developing aromas of linden and hawthorn. Fine and persistent bubbles help develop the rich mid-palate texture. 100% Chardonnay. 400 cases produced.