A portion of grapes for our Chardonnay hail from a truly remarkable vineyard – the famed Heintz Vineyard in California’s Russian River Valley. Praised as “one of the great Grand Cru Chardonnay sites” by Robert Parker, this vineyard boasts a unique history and terroir that contribute to exceptional wines.

A Legacy of Quality Cultivated by The Heintz Family

The Heintz family has meticulously stewarded this land for over 100 years. Since its planting in 1982, the vineyard has become synonymous with top-tier California Chardonnay. We’ve been fortunate to collaborate extensively with Charlie Heintz, a humble third-generation farmer dedicated to preserving this special property’s heritage.

The Fog’s Embrace: A Hallmark of Heintz Vineyard

One of the vineyard’s defining features is its intimate relationship with coastal fog. Unlike other locations, the fog rolls directly through the vines throughout the growing season. This unique phenomenon fosters incredible diversity and complexity in the Chardonnay grapes’ aromas and flavors.

A Symphony of Soils: Sandstone and Clay

The vineyard’s soil composition plays another crucial role. The western side features sandstone close to the surface, while the eastern side boasts more clay. This allows us to leverage the strengths of both when crafting our Chardonnay. Sandstone contributes a savory character with bright acidity, while the clay soils yield richer, rounder wines brimming with fruit. By skillfully blending grapes from these distinct soil profiles, we achieve the harmonious complexity that defines our Chardonnay.

Here’s what makes the Charles Heintz Vineyard so special:

  • Ideal Location: Situated on the second ridge inland from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard enjoys early bud break, moderate summers, and extended autumns perfect for late-ripening grapes like Chardonnay.
  • Pushing the Limits: The location exists at the edge of grape maturation, considered ideal for achieving the full potential of Chardonnay grapes.
  • Elevated Perspective: At 900 feet above sea level, the vineyard sits on a coastal ridge, protected from frost.
  • Meticulous Care: Highly experienced viticulture practices, with a long-tenured crew, ensure meticulous attention to detail and minimal yields for the highest quality fruit.
  • Sun and Shade in Balance: Trellising allows for optimal sun exposure and airflow, while strategic leaf pulling protects grapes from afternoon sun—particularly crucial for Pinot Noir.

From our Winemaker, Matthew Casalenuovo: “I’ve worked with Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay since 2014 and my favorite thing about the wines is the natural acidity it brings. The vineyard’s location allows the fruit to hold on to its natural acidity while also developing a deep richness that creates very well balanced wines.”

One sip of our 2022 Chardonnay and you’ll understanding why Heintz Vineyard is considered legendary. Experience the magic for yourself!