The Fleur Chardonnay comes from several vineyards in the hills along California’s North Coast. These cool vineyards create wines that combine opulent fruit with wonderful richness. The brilliant color sets the stage for aromas of apricots, honeysuckle and Comice pear. Aging this Chardonnay in neutral French oak on the lees gives the wine a creamy, soft texture without the heavy oak presence.
The 2014 Fleur Pinot Noir Rosé is the first release to show off the new Fleur package design featuring artwork from Milly Acharya. This wine screams spring and now, so does the beautiful package. While the label is totally new, you will recognize the Pinot Noir statement that winemaker Ken Foster brings to this wine each vintage. Some wineries make Rosé by taking free run juice (pre-fermented juice) away from their tanks so they can increase the skin-to-juice ratio in their regular wines and thus increase their density. Unfortunately, their Rosés suffer because their fruit profile has already turned from freshly picked berries into the jammy fruit character that isn't nearly as refreshing and bright. Our Pinots are already packed with flavor (thanks to Francis and the vineyard team) and this means that Ken can make Rosé in the traditional manner. Early each harvest, Ken is out sampling the Pinot grapes we will use in the Rosé and these are generally the first grapes we bring into the cellar. By picking the grapes early, the resulting wine maintains its light, crisp mouthfeel and the fruit character is bright and fresh and this is what makes our Rosé such a joy to drink.
Fleur de Carneros is a bright, fresh, charming, andflavorful Pinot Noir from Carneros. The brilliant ruby color sets the stage for aromas of ripe cherry and cranberry, with hints of white pepper and nutmeg. While dominated by effusive fruit flavor, the wine is soft, supple and rich in the mouth.