Lush, immediately approachable and undeniably delicious, Luke’s Grove is often our Chardonnay ambassador for EK newbies and long timers alike. While we continue to fine-tune it in the vineyards and the cellar, it remains a quintessential Russian River Valley illustration of this varietal and our most widely popular since we introduced it way back in 2004.
Kent and Hanna have been especially focused on barrel selections over the last five years, looking for wood that perfectly supports and enhances the fruit. We feel confident that by 2015 we were fully dialed in and are so excited to share the results!
Now mostly comprised of Stiling Vineyard fruit, we chose to pick this vineyard in several stages to provide both ripeness and natural acidity. A small 4% addition of Fallenleaf Vineyard (new to the blend) lends the Old Wente clone’s custardy bass notes while another 4% of Green Acres Vineyard Hyde clone contributes both texture and verve.
Overall, the 2015 follows previous vintages for Luke’s Grove; Classic Russian River Chardonnay richness and a sunny, fruit-driven disposition. However, we find a bit more minerally stoniness on the finish than in the past and the final wine manages to be both hedonistic and refined at the same time. If you have enjoyed the 2013 and 2014 vintages, the 2015 will deliver on every level and then some!
DRINKING WINDOWS
Prime drinking: mid 2017 through 2021 Graceful ageability: 2022+
VINEYARDS
92% Stiling, 4% Fallenleaf, 4% Green Acres
CLONES
92% Rued, 4% Old Wente, 4% Old Wente Hyde
STATS
pH: 3.34 | TA: 6.6 g/L | Alcohol: 14.6% Bottling: December 8, 2016 | Release: Spring 2017 Cases Produced: 285
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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