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2020 Balletto Twin Ridges Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

Balletto Vineyards is a story of resilience and evolution. Founder and owner, John Balletto entered the family’s vegetable farm business at 17 after the untimely death of his father in 1977. By 1994 the business had grown into the largest vegetable farm in Northern California with 70 different vegetables on 700 plus acres. However, with a multitude of increasing challenges, the Balletto’s saw a better future growing wine grapes in the Russian River Valley. Over a three-year period, they planted primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Starting in 2001, they reserved 10% of their best fruit for their own labels. Today, they farm 16 estate vineyards in the Russian River AVA. The wines are 100% estate grown and bottled.

This Chardonnay is sourced from two vineyards located in the rolling hillsides southwest of the cool Pacific wind swept climate of Sebastopol Hills within Sonoma Coast. These Old Wente clone rootstocks of Chardonnay are a composite from the single vineyards sites of Sexton Hills and Cider Ridge. The wine is aged for 18 months (45% new) in French Oak barrels. The pale yellow edges of this wine draw you into a freshly cut garden bouquet. Within the core is Meyer lemon drops, Bosch Pear, crushed minerality and yellow citrus fruits all encased in a layer of butter creme. There is vibrant acidity in the background that is dialed back to keep all of the elements fresh and in perfect harmony. This wine has a graceful and lengthy finish.

By W Peter Hoyne

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