2021 Six Cloves Chardonnay, Alder Springs Vineyard, Mendocino County, California

The wine has aromas of tangerine zest, anjou pear, and toasted marshmallow, and fresh lime acidity lingering through to the finish. Round, supple and palate pleasing with every sip.

Blend of clones 76 & 95 Chardonnay sourced from the East Face block of Alder Springs Vineyard in Laytonville, Mendocino County, whose vineyard sits at a high elevation of between 1700 to 2700 feet on the isolated 6,000-acre property.

Grapes were picked on September 1st, fermented with neutral French and Hungarian oak, and aged in barrels for 10 months. Malolactic fermentation was arrested midway to retain a nice fresh acidity. The wine has white peach and orange peel aromas, with a hint of toasted marshmallow nose with a clean finish.

Owned, made and produced entirely by a Japanese, woman winemaker, Sonoe Hirabayashi, born to an apple grower, the name Six Cloves was derived from Sonae's ancestor's business name, with six cloves designed in their business logo. They once sold medicines in the coastal area of the Japan Sea. Later, they migrated to Northern Nagano and started making soy sauce and miso. I chose this name out of respect for my ancestors and to celebrate the heritage of fermentation businesses that have been continuing for centuries.