Overview

We jumped at the opportunity to lease and farm the historic Searby Vineyard in 2022. These 40 year old organic, dry-farmed, Chardonnay vines offer a ton of potential. It is a historically significant site with a (still working) drainage system built by the WPA during the great depression. Second growth redwoods line this coastal vineyard and its incredibly cool climate lends wines of amazing depth and freshness. We strive for a style that is powerful, yet refreshing and drinkable and certainly never oaky or buttery.

Varieties

100% Chardonnay

Production: 420 cases

Soils:

The Searby Vineyard rests deep in West Sonoma County near the town of Occidental. The soils are Goldrige Sandy Loam, which are deep and well drained and are formed from material weathered from weakly consolidated sandstone. The texture of these soils and the vineyard’s location lends itself well to dry-farming. The vines were planted in the late 1970’s, making them almost 50 years old.

Farming:

Les Lunes manages and performs all aspects of farming at the Searby Vineyard. In spite of challenging growing conditions, we work 100% organically. The vineyard is completely dry-farmed with no irrigation and we practice no till farming as well. As a result, the soils and surrounding areas are beaming with life. A section of the vineyard is planted to a Chardonnay Musqué clone, giving incredible depth and aromatic character to the grapes.

Vinification

The vineyard was hand-harvested over the course of 4 days and the fresh grapes were destemmed and allowed to ferment on the skins for 14 days prior to pressing. One gentle punchdown per day was performed throughout the fermentation. The finished wine aged in a combination of stainless steel and Flextanks with zero oak aging to preserve freshness and fruit character. After 7 months, the wine was racked for bottling and 18 ppm sulfur was added.

Tasting Notes

Incredibly powerful and rich, yet still bright and fresh, these paradoxical qualities define this wine. On the palate, the wine is dense and full without being overbearing and has a long and fresh finish. The maceration on the skins lends this wine exceptional texture and mouthfeel. The gentle tannins work in harmony with the full texture that Chardonnay can contribute. Notes of apricot and stone fruit stand out on the nose, but a fine streak of minerality, plushness and acid carries the wine through the finish.

Alcohol: 12.5%