Eric Kent, Chardonnay 2018, Luke's Grove Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA

Bursting with forward, tropical fruit, Luke’s is a lavishly proportioned Russian River Chardonnay – perfectly ripe, wonderfully clean, full of flavor and aroma.

COUNTRY: United State of America (USA)

STATE: CA

APPELLATION (AVA): Russian River Valley

REGION: California

SUB-REGION: Sonoma County

VINEYARDS: 98% Stilling Vineyard, 2% Fallenleaf Vineyard

VINTAGE: 2018

GRAPES: Chardonnay (Clones 98% Rued, 2% Old Wente)

SOIL: Goldridge sandy loam

PRACTICE: Sustainable farming & winemaking

VINIFICATION: Native and cultivated yeasts, roughly one third new French oak barrel aging

STYLE: Still

COLOR: Deep gold

BODY: Full (9-10)

TASTE: Dry

PRIMARY AROMAS: White flowers, tropical fruit, toasty hazelnut and biscuit

FLAVOR: White flowers, baked apple, pineapple, nectarine

FORMAT: 750 ml

ALCOHOL: 14.3%

SERVICE AND SUGGESTION: Serve cold and match with creamy buttery flavors and soft textures, for example, butter poached lobster.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER: Kent Humphrey

“I feel as if I've lived three entirely different adult lives: one in academics, one in advertising and now one in wine. The first two were quite successful in their own ways and I'm deeply grateful for them both. But they say the third time's a charm and I wholeheartedly agree!

Of course this work is hard, sometimes stressful and often less glamorous than one might imagine… but it's also fascinating, exhilarating, inspiring and rewarding like nothing else I've ever done. The way I see it, making wine, discovering new art and sharing them both with others is about as good as it gets. To our many customers who make this possible, I offer my most sincere thanks. I raise my glass to each and every one of you!”*

ABOUT THE VINEYARD: The Dehlinger family acquired Stilling Vineyard in 2017, 35 acres of Chardonnay and Pinot noir vines contiguous to Dehlinger Estate Vineyard in Russian River Valley. The property was once part of the historic Garbro Ranch, known for premium berry and apple production. Don Stiling purchased the land in 1986; he and his family developed the vineyard between 1988 and 2005, earning vineyard designated status for superior Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Dehlinger family will fulfill existing grape contracts and select a small portion of Stiling Vineyard fruit for their own brand.

ABOUT THE LABEL: Artwork by Jo James 

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