Vineyard Character

Located on the high slopes of northern Mendocino County, Alder Springs Vineyard is owned by Stuart Bewley, who is dedicated to growing first-rate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Situated near the town of Laytonville, the vineyard lies within 7 miles off the Pacific Ocean. In 2014, we selected fruit exclusively from two small blocks at the very top of Alder Springs Vineyard: Emerald Pool and East Face. At 2,600 feet in elevation, these impeccably farmed blocks on the flanks of Chato Peak in Northern Mendocino represent some of the highest elevation Chardonnay plantings in the state. Though this is a challenging, unpredictable and enigmatic site, when conditions align—as they did in 2014—Alder Springs has the capacity to produce a rare, terroir-inspired wine unlike any other. Our 2014 Alder Springs Vineyard Mendocino Chardonnay is made from a blend of Dijon clone grapes, as well as Wente and Robert Young clone fruit.

Tasting Notes

A truly singular and special Chardonnay, this wine reveals a complex nose of peach, cantaloupe, dusty clay and clove. While the palate offers lovely richness and density, it also possesses excellent acidity, which frames intricately detailed flavors of fresh peach, tarte tatin and marzipan. The finish lingers on the palate with hints of green apple and crème brûlée underscoring the wine’s balance between poise and depth. One of our finest Alder Springs Chardonnays ever!