Bouchaine: Natural Gem of the Carneros
When you hear the word Carneros, your first thought is probably chardonnay and pinot noir. From now on, it just may be Bouchaine. Situated in the Napa Valley side of Carneros, Bouchaine Vineyards has become synonymous with chardonnay and pinot noir. The winery is the oldest active winery in the region, which means they have had plenty of time to sort things out and find out what works.
The original facility was built in the late 1800’s predating prohibition and has a colorful history. In 1981 Gerret and Tatiana Copeland, DuPont heirs and long term residents of Wilmington Delaware, purchased the winery and immediately began replanting the vineyards to modern sustainable standards.
In 1995 the Copeland’s finished an extensive renovation project, re-furbishing the buildings and bringing the winery up to date adding green technology and sustainable practices in the winery as well as in the vineyards. And they did it with integrity, never compromising the history and character of the estate. These practices actually earned them Napa Valley Green and Fish-friendly Farming Certifications.
Carneros lies across the San Pablo Bay in view of San Francisco and the fog banks that build along the Pacific Ocean. The diverse topography of the 100-acre Bouchaine Estate features low hills and terraces that invite cool overcast mornings followed by brisk winds on most afternoons and fog that regularly rolls in off the nearby San Pablo Bay in the evenings.
So, it’s no surprise that Bouchaine would specialize in world class Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, whose sensitivity requires such moderate climate to assure bright acidity and engaging complexity.
42 acres are devoted to five assorted clones of chardonnay, the perfect pantry for winemaker Mike Richmond. The Chardonnay is fermented in a potpourri of barrels of varying toast levels, ages, and origins. When blended, these lots seamlessly combine to form a truly spectacular wine, “bright and citrusy” with scents of Meyer lemons, grapefruits, and a sweet spicy nuance from the subtle oak.
40 acres are devoted to nine different clones of Pinot Noir grapes. The resulting diverse fermentations coupled with 30% to 50% new French oak barrel aging produces a world class wine with cherries and berries on the nose, plums and pomegranates on the palate with a hint of sweet earth and spice on the finish.If you happen to have had the pleasure of visiting Bouchaine's beautiful Carneros estate, or have tried their wines, please post your reflections as comments!
By the way, if you're to be a lover of sweet wines, the Bouche d'Or is spectacular. Anyone care to share more on Bouchaine?
