For the 11th year in a row, a special one-acre block of the Rued clone from Stiling Vineyard forms the foundation of our Russian River Valley Chardonnay. About 100 yards away sits a beautiful grove of trees where Kent and Colleen got married back in 2002. That was also the year they met Luke — the Stiling's Yellow Lab who greeted every visitor with the same big smile and puppy enthusiasm.
To honor Luke, his owners and the land we have all loved together so much, we've chosen to name our Russian River Valley Chardonnay “Luke’s Grove.” It’s the same careful blend we have devoted ourselves to for over a decade, now graced by a personal name that helps tell our story.
Fruit-forward and wonderfully textural, this Chardonnay wins us new friends every vintage. Classic Russian River Valley signatures of baked apple and poached pear with hints of butterscotch, clove and floral notes carry the flavors along towards a long, satisfying and decidedly creamy finish. A careful selection of 50% new French oak, plus great acidity combine to enhance structure, backbone and longevity.
Tempting early in its evolution, the wine will only get better with time. Whether you open your first bottle this summer or wait a year or two, help us celebrate a place near and dear to our hearts by raising a glass to Luke!
DRINKING WINDOWS
Prime drinking: late 2016 through 2019 Graceful ageability: 2020+
VINEYARDS
75% Stiling, 11% Black Emerald, 7% Roberts Road, 7% Green Acres
CLONES
74% Rued, 12% Clone 4, 7% Dijon 95, 7% Hyde
STATS
pH: 3.36 | TA: 6.3 g/L | Alcohol: 14.2% Bottling: November 23, 2015 | Release: Spring 2016 Cases Produced: 276
Direct sales are allocated exclusively to EK Allocation List members at a 10% discount. Orders of 6+ bottles save an additional 50% off shipping. New releases ship twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Join EK Allocation List
CUSTOMIZED ALLOCATIONS
You may customize your spring and fall allocations any way you like, from 0–12 bottles of each wine. (Small-lot and list-only wines will have lower limits.) To modify your allocations, click on MY ALLOCATION above. Join EK Allocation List
REORDERS
Wines often sell out at or close to release, so we encourage making the most of your spring and fall allocations. As long as wine remains, you are welcome to reorder online through our EK Special Order store. Or contact John Gillis at john@erickentwines.com or 415.244.9453.
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