2021 Alejandro Bulgheroni Lithology Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay

Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate is a new Napa Valley enterprise for Alejandro Bulgheroni, an Argentinian-Italian vintner and entrepreneur who owns wine estates in Argentina, Uruguay, Italy, France and Australia. This new estate is focused on producing small-batch, handcrafted Cabernet Sauvignon from prestigious Napa Valley terroir. The estate’s debut release was a 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon. Bulgheroni has assembled a winemaking dream team, starting with acclaimed winemaker Philippe Melka and consultant Michel Rolland. Veteran viticulturist Jim Barbour is vineyard operations manager. The 14-acre parcel that makes up the new estate has been through many transformations since the mid-19th century when it was part of an historic ranch. It was later part of Charles Krug Winery. Alejandro Bulgheroni makes Cabernet Sauvignon that is generally available only through the mailing list.

Russian River Valley AVA is named for the river that meanders from Mendocino County in the north until it finally runs into the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco. The AVA is cool thanks to its proximity to the northern California coast and the river, and grape growers must learn to deal with regular fog. Nevertheless in recent decades the AVA has become one of the best in the state, meaning that its wines often earn excellent reviews and have considerable cachet. The AVA status was awarded in 1983 and today the appellation has 15,000 vineyard acres. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape though Pinot Noir has also been very successful in recent decades. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir are known for being rich, lush and filled with concentrated fruit and berry flavors. Russian River Pinot Noirs are today considered some of the best domestic Pinot Noirs.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.