Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Senses Wines is the dream of three childhood friends. Christopher, Max and Myles, who partnered with critically acclaimed winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown, to produce worldclass wines from renowned vineyards owned by their families. Since founding in 2011, Senses Wines production has grown to include many coveted vineyard sites throughout northern California. The estate vineyards are located in the West Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley, specifically just outside the town of Occidental where the three founders grew up. On the label, the second letter ‘e’ has been substituted with the number ‘3’ representing the three founders and the three wine senses of sight, scent and sip. They believe the vineyards are their greatest asset, and meticulously farm each vine so the winemaking process can be as hands-off as possible. This approach ensures complexity and finesse for each wine, vintage after vintage, and their stunning wines are testament to their dedicated passion.

THE VINTAGE:
2019 stands out as one of the more exceptional vintages in recent memory. Cooler temperatures and stable weather throughout the growing season allowed for slow maturation of flavours without any heat events spiking sugar accumulation in the berries. Although 2019 also saw the devastating Kincade fire in Sonoma County, the fruit was harvested by then, so the smoke did not affect the grapes.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
Cameron and Bridgit Thieriot, Max’s parents, purchased their vineyard and property in 1988. In 1989, the first part of the vineyard was planted by the late Warren Dutton of Dutton Ranch. Over the years, the grapes from these blocks have been sold to topclass producers in the region. Vintage after vintage, this vineyard consistently produces high-scoring single vineyard wines and is renowned as being one of the premier vineyards in the Sonoma Coast. The healthy, mature vines, thrive in the warm microclimate which is tempered by the cool, coastal breezes and the trademark fog that lingers over the vineyards, bringing moisture and cooling the vines. The result is a long hang-time, during which the vines slowly build aromatic complexity, concentrated flavours, superbly balanced by natural, crisp freshness. The vines are sustainably cultivated and manually harvested.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The grapes were barrel-fermented with indigenous yeasts from the vineyard to fully express the site. Partial fermentation and ageing took place in puncheons. The wine underwent careful bâtonnage, the amount and frequency was carefully tailored to the barrel. The wine was matured for 14 months in 100% French oak, of which 35% was new; the remainder was second-use.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
With incredibly salty minerality, this racy style shows beautiful lemon curd, floral notes and brioche notes through to toasty, hazelnut nuances and a rich palate with flawless balance and an exquisite finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Chardonnay 100%.