TA: 6.5 g/l
pH: 3.4
Brix at harvest: 23.2-24.5
Harvest date: 8/31-9/11/2023
Aging: Fermented in stainless and oak, then consolidated into stainless for aging.
Bottled: March 2024
Winemaker’s Notes:
“The Chardonnay that comes from the San Francisco Bay appellation possesses a unique focus of character. While being in a warmer, mediterranean climate, the two vineyards which make up this Chardonnay are both located along the eastern edge of the SF Bay. The sloping, rolling hills of the Kalthoff common creates a microclimate ideal for drainage and retaining the cool air that prolongs the growing season. The Lamorinda appellation just north of Livermore Valley has a strong delta influence keeping the vineyard a very cool region 3.
I was a non-believer of Chardonnay from this appellation when I arrived here in 2004. Today, I will put this wine against any Chard on the shelf at the price point. This region is under-valued for this varietal. It is one of the more exciting wines that I work with.”
Dane Stark, winemaker
Tasting Notes:
The combined fermentation process of this Chardonnay, some in stainless and some in barrels, adds complexity to this generous wine.
It has a lovely, medium golden straw color.
It has opening notes of lemon, yeast and honey suckle with a bit of almond and vanilla on the nose. A very generous and pleasing bouquet, presages a delicious wine.
The palate entry is of flinty structure, floral components with spice, stone fruit and a hint of oak with a rich, pleasing mid palate. The acidity is lively making this an excellent food wine but one that drinks all by itself just fine! There is a lingering cream scone and almond in the finish with lean fruit and floral notes and a clean finish.
It will age exceptionally well.
2022
Grenache
Livermore Valley
$30
TA: 5.3 g/l
pH: 3.42
Brix at harvest: 24
Harvest date: 9/21/2022
Aging treatment: Aged in neutral American Oak Barrels
Bottled: 5/4/2023
Winemaker’s Notes:
“The Livermore Valley is an ideal climate for the Rhone varietals such as Grenache. This grape is a work horse and produces a lively pallet for the winemaker to sign. It can be lighter in color and structure than the other red wines so great care must be taken not to rush the fermentation. Every moment of skin contact is necessary for complete extraction. And even so, its character is not in its depth, but its sex appeal.
Grenache, or the Spanish word Garnacha, is an elegant varietal that shows up early to the ball and out dances its more demure competitors. It is youthful and joyous and a delight to work with.”
Dane Stark, winemaker
Tasting Notes:
This Grenache is medium in intensity with bright fruit of raspberries, a hint of cranberry and floral notes.
It has a lovely, bright hue with a clear ruby component.
The palate entry is of floral and pleasing fruit with a silky entry and mouth watering profile with a hint of strawberry on the mid palate. There is a touch of oak over a silky structure. The finish has lingering cream and a wisp of a fruit finish as it dances down your throat.
The finish is medium-long and elegant.
2022
Merlot
Livermore Valley
$34
TA: 5.5 g/l
pH: 3.4
Brix at harvest: 24.2
Harvest date: 10/2/2022
Aging treatment: 20% New American Oak blend of forests
Winemaker’s Notes:
As we explore the Livermore Valley, becoming enchanted by the variety and quality this unique wine region has to offer, the Bordeaux varietals cannot be ignored, especially the right bank varietals.
This vineyard is quadrilateral cordons and fronting Greenville Rd with generous yield with ample canopy. It is ideal conditions for this varietal.
The Thatcher Bay Vineyard is hand harvested and the wine is made as a standalone varietal due to its relevant structure, balance and inherent quality.”
Dane Stark, winemaker
Tasting Notes:
Medium ruby in color.
This wine opens with fresh fruit on the nose of plums, spice, berries and touch of oak. Medium intensity entry leads to a lean mid palate and soft tannins around the back of the palate with integrated acidity and a lingering finish. Hints of light oak surround a very structured and nuanced mid palate reminiscent of great Bordeaux.
The balance of the fruit and structure provide for aging potential for a number of years.