True Course Russian River Valley Chardonnay
2009 Vintage
- Case Production: 144 cases
- Vineyards: Lone Oaks, Dutton Ranch Rued and Sebastopol
- Cooperage :50% new French Artisan Oak
- Vinification: Hand sorted, whole cluster pressed, native yeast fermentation, Sur lies with bâtonnage
The third release of our True Course Chardonnay represents a selection of our favorite barrels from our various vineyards in Russian River Valley. Fermented with indigenous yeast and then aged sur lees for seventeen months in 50% new French Oak barrels, this wine displays its power as soon as it hits the glass.
While intense and full bodied, the wine retains a sense of harmony on the palate with the perfect balance of minerality and fruit. A powerful nose of white peaches, white currants, pear, buttered citrus, and lemon oil gives a nod towards Burgundy while still remaining true to its Russian River heritage.
In the mouth the wine once again displays its concentration with deep flavors reminiscent of baked pear with great texture and a subtle background note of hand torched caramel. In Robert Parker's 94 point first tasting of our True Course, he stated this glorious full bodied wine jumped from the glass.
Transcending the boundaries of any one vineyard source, this cuvee layers the best qualities of each vineyard site to create a wine that reminds us that it is the voyage that determines the "True Course".
Lone Oaks
Located on the river bench of Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, this hillside Chardonnay vineyard's budwood came from the Old Wente clone known for its tiny berries and flavor intensity. The vines benefit from the famed Goldridge soil and a volcanic mélange. This vineyard consistently produces a full bodied Chardonnay with a creamy and rich texture.
Dutton Ranch Morelli Vineyard
The Morelli Lane Chardonnay vineyard was planted in 1995 high atop a ridge in the famed Green Valley sub appellation of the Russian River Valley area. Vines benefitting from the dry farming in Goldridge soils, the Hyde Wente Clone, and a location only 6 miles from the Pacific Ocean consistently produce a wine with aging potential and characteristics of citrus and wet stone amid full bodied spicy components.
Dutton Ranch Sebastopol Vineyard
This Russian River Valley vineyard was planted in 1980 with a Robert Young derivative of the old Wente Clone selected for its high fruit tones. Goldridge marine based soils and dry farming account for an expression of minerality in this wine that is unlike any other.
2008 Vintage
- Case Production: 105 cases
- Vineyards: Lone Oaks, Dutton Ranch Morelli and Sebastopol
- Cooperage :100% new French Artisan Oak
- Vinification: Hand sorted, whole cluster pressed, native yeast fermentation, Sur lies with bâtonnage
"The voyage determines the true course"..in boating, in winemaking, and in life itself....
Chateau Boswell True Course Chardonnay is an expression of our desire to follow a true course in our winemaking; to enjoy the experience of the voyage from vineyard to barrel and then from blending to bottle. As avid boaters the phrase True Course reminds us of the excitement of adventure ahead...
The second release of our True Course Chardonnay represents a selection of our favorite five barrels from three different vineyard sites. Fermented with indigenous yeast and then aged sur lees for sixteen months in 100% new French Oak barrels, this wine displays its power as soon as it hits the glass. While intense and full bodied, the wine retains a sense of harmony on the palate with the perfect balance of minerality and fruit. A powerful nose of orange blossom and lemon leans a bit towards Burgundy while still remaining vocal of its Russian River heritage. In the mouth the wine is reminiscent of citrus infused crème brulee with a slightly creamy texture and a subtle background note of hand torched caramel. Transcending the boundaries of any one vineyard source, this cuvee layers the best qualities of each vineyard site to create a wine that reminds us that it is the voyage that determines the true course.
Review: The Wine Advocate #192 December, 2010
Even better is the compelling 2008 Chardonnay True Course, which is also made from an Old Wente clone and is bottled unfiltered after indigenous yeast fermentations and 17 months in wood. A beautiful perfume of white peaches, white currants, pear, buttered citrus and wet rocks jumps from the glass of this stunning, full-bodied Chardonnay. Sadly, there are only about 100 cases of this glorious white. - 94 points - Robert Parker
Since this winery is located on the Silverado Trail, just north of St. Helena, I have included their two Sonoma Chardonnays along with their Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. The talented French winemaking consultant, Luc Morlet, assists at this estate. Both Chardonnays are beautiful wines.
2007 Vintage
- Case Production: 120 cases
- Vineyards: Lone Oaks, Dutton Ranch Morelli and Sebastopol
- Cooperage :100% new French Artisan Oak
- Vinification: Hand sorted, whole cluster pressed, native yeast fermentation, Sur lies with bâtonnage
"The voyage determines the true course"..in boating, in winemaking, and in life itself....
This initial release of our True Course Chardonnay represents a selection of our favorite five barrels from three different vineyard sites. Fermented with indigenous yeast and then aged sur lees for sixteen months in 100% new French Oak barrels, this wine displays its power as soon as it hits the glass. While intense and full bodied, the wine retains a sense of harmony on the palate with the perfect balance of minerality and fruit. A powerful nose of orange blossom and lemon leans a bit towards Burgundy while still remaining vocal of its Russian River heritage. In the mouth the wine is reminiscent of citrus infused crème brulee with a slightly creamy texture and a subtle background note of hand torched caramel. Transcending the boundaries of any one vineyard source, this cuvee layers the best qualities of each vineyard site to create a wine that reminds us that it is the voyage that determines the true course. .