letter from the winemaker With harvest complete and the wines all safely tucked away in barrel, I love December because I finally have time to reflect on this year s crush. We had an unusual, yet high-quality harvest that lagged quite a bit, leading us to bring in all varietals almost two weeks later than past years. This year we were lucky to have some cool weather that promoted full maturation, with lots of complex flavors to match. Although the weather tested our patience, once the fruit was ready it arrived in a steady stream, keeping us plenty busy, but allowing time to give it the level of attention and care that is characteristic of Chalk Hill. As daughter of proprietors Bill and Carol Foley, I was very familiar with Chalk Hill s beautiful rolling hills and vineyards just by virtue of having walked my dogs around the property hundreds of times. This is my family s home, where we spend holidays, have dinners underneath the oak trees, and go to Ridge Park on quiet nights to take in the sunset and enjoy a glass of wine. Now assuming the role of winemaker, I have the fantastic opportunity to get to know this special property even better. Luckily, Chalk Hill has a fantastic team of people who provided tons of historical insight to turn my casual familiarity with the property into a working knowledge of the many clones, vineyard blocks, and soil types that make this property so unique. One of our featured wines this December is our 2016 Felta Chardonnay named after the alluvial soil on our estate. Having seen the grapes in the vineyard, then guiding them through fermentation, I have a much better knowledge of what makes this wine so fantastic. The shallow, riverbed soil unique to our property promotes ripening of the fruit, and lends a beautiful minerality. It s full-bodied and intense, yet balanced by a beautiful acidity which makes it perfect to pair with foods such as this issue s featured recipe pairing. Our 2015 Clara s Vineyard Red comes from a 15.9 acre plot on our estate. This vineyard site is almost the exact opposite of the Felta with the soils being much deeper and higher in moisture retention. This gives the grapes ample opportunity for hang-time to mature completely into the complex and rich styles for which Chalk Hill is known. Lastly, the 2017 Mt. Eden Pinot Noir comes from a block I had worked with while I was winemaker at Foley Sonoma. This block is one of my favorites to bring in each year. Deep and plush, this Pinot Noir is characteristic of more full-bodied Pinot Noirs with black fruits shining particularly brightly, but also lending more nuanced flavors thanks to the foggy, cool mornings of the Russian River Valley. I really think you will enjoy the three club selections this winter. With a wine for almost every occasion and pairing, all three will be a happy accompaniment to this holiday season to share with family and friends I am certain that I will be doing the same! Cheers, Courtney Foley, Winemaker
2016 Felta Chardonnay tasting For our Felta Chardonnay, we use the specific barrels that best show off the characteristics of that vineyard. For our 2016 vintage, those characteristics are aromas of apple blossom, baked peach, buttered croissant, and a hint of vanilla custard. The palate boasts an elegant and creamy texture with inviting flavors of peach cobbler, buttered croissant and vanilla bean. harvest Harvest Dates September 19-26, 2016 Average Yields 3.55 tons/acre Average Brix at Harvest 24.9 wine shipment 2017 Mt. Eden Clone Pinot Noir tasting The 2017 Mt. Eden Pinot Noir displays aromas of ripe raspberries, dried roses, red currant and dark chocolate which carry through to the palate. Flavors of sweet red fruit are rounded by rich tannins and a smooth finish. Enjoy this wine now or age up to 5 years. harvest Harvest Date September 4, 2017 Average Yields 2.19 tons/acre Average Brix at Harvest 24.9 fermentation / barrel 100% native yeast fermentation in barrel 100% malolactic fermentation with bi-weekly bâtonnage Cooperage 100% French oak, 62% new Barrel Aging 15 months wine Blend 100% Chardonnay Bottling Date December 15, 2017 ph 3.68 TA 5.8 g/l Alcohol 14.9% retail price - $75 fermentation / barrel 100% malolactic fermentation with bâtonnage Cooperage: 100% French oak, 67% new Barrel Aging 10 months wine Blend 100% Pinot Noir Bottling Date August 2, 2018 ph 3.83 TA 5.96 g/l Alcohol 14.9% retail price - $60 tasting The 2015 Clara s Vineyard Red offers enticing aromas of blueberry and dark chocolate with hints of cinnamon and toasted oak. Three powerhouse varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot come together to greet the palate with bold tannins and dense flavors of dark berries, anise, vanilla, and clove. This full bodied wine is balanced by a smooth and refined finish. The 2015 Clara s Red can be enjoyed immediately upon release, but will reward those patient enough to cellar for 3-5 years. harvest Harvest Date September 20- October 14, 2015 Average Yields 2.9 tons/acre Average Brix at Harvest 26.1 2015 Clara s Vineyard Red retail price - $85 fermentation / barrel Cultured and native yeast fermentation 100% malolactic fermentation with bâtonnage Cooperage: 100% French oak, 89% new Barrel Aging 21 months wine Blend 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot Bottling Date June 30, 2017 ph 3.91 TA 5.3 g/l Alcohol 15.2% reorder special Enjoy 30% savings on re-orders of current club wines. Order 12 or more bottles of any of the current club wines and receive $10 ground shipping (not valid to HI or AK). To order, please visit www.chalkhill.com, or contact us at 866.221.6467 or wineclub@chalkhill.com. Offer expires January 21, 2019.
food and wine pairing Recipe by the Chalk Hill Estate culinary team Pair with Chalk Hill 2016 Felta Chardonnay Celebrate the holidays and cozy up by the fireplace this winter with our decadent Lobster Fettuccine and 2016 Felta Chardonnay. The bright acidity of the wine pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors in the Chardonnay sauce and lobster. Enjoy with friends and family this holiday season! Lobster Fettuccine with Chardonnay Cream Sauce and Garlic Gremolata For the Pasta: 2 cups all purpose flour 3 large eggs 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon olive oil For the Sauce: 4 cups heavy cream 1 cup Chardonnay 4 cloves Garlic For the Gremolata: ½ cup toasted bread crumbs 4 cloves garlic, minced and toasted in olive oil 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped 1 teaspoon olive oil To Finish: 4 large lobster tails Salt and pepper to taste Directions 1. In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine pasta ingredients and mix on low for 10 minutes, until a smooth, elastic ball forms. 2. Remove dough from bowl and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Let rest in a cool, dry area for at least 30 minutes. 3. While dough is resting, combine cream, Chardonnay, and garlic in a heavy bottomed saucepan, reduce to roughly 2 cups on low heat. 4. Bring a large pot of water to a boil then add lobster tails. Cook for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a large bowl with ice. Once lobster is chilled, remove the shells and cut into large pieces.
5. Once pasta dough is rested, divide into 4 equal portions and run each through a pasta roller on the widest setting, dropping a size with every pass until size 4 is reached. 6. Cut pasta using a fettuccine attachment, or cut with a knife to 1/8th inch strips. 7. Cook pasta in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes, or until desired doneness. 8. Bring a frying pan to medium heat, combine lobster, cream reduction, and pasta. Simmer for 2 minutes. 9. Combine all Gremolata ingredients in a small, separate bowl. 10. Serve the pasta evenly amongst 4 pasta bowls, and top with a portion of the Gremolata. Enjoy with a glass of the 2016 Felta Chardonnay!
upcoming events Save the Date for our upcoming 2019 Chalk Hill events! Cult Cabernet Classic February 23, 2019 Enjoy a seated Cabernet tasting led by our own Master Sommelier. In this rare opportunity, you ll be taken through the sensory profiles of each extremely rare and high quality Cabernet. Don t miss this exclusive event! 6th Annual White Party June 29, 2019 Experience the exquisite portfolio of Chalk Hill wines and take in the beautiful views of Ridge Park located on our estate. Enjoy an elevated culinary experience with food and wine pairings perfected by our Estate Chef and Culinary team. Please visit our website for up-to-date event information at https://www.chalkhill.com chalk hill estate vineyards & winery 10300 chalk hill road healdsburg, california 95448 tel 707-838-4306 fax 707-838-9687 SKU: CH1218