Bouchaine’s 100-acre estate vineyard lies on the southern border of Napa Valley’s Carneros district, overlooking the San Francisco bay with the financial district in the distance. Fog, wind, and the cold night time temperatures of this unique geographical area lend a distinctive regional identity to our Riesling. We believe Carneros is among the most suitable sites in all of California for this noble variety that originated on the frigid slopes of the German river valleys.

Growing Season
The 2023 growing season was a lesson in patience. The winery was set and ready to go at the end of August, when we typically begin harvest, but Mother Nature hit the brakes and forced us to relax until the end ofSeptember when our grapes were finally ready to pick. Conditions over spring and summer were beautiful in the vineyard but the typical heat we experience over Labor Day eluded us, leading to slower ripening on the vine. We all know “patience is a virtue” though, and our efforts were eventually rewarded with some phenomenal grapes that had been given a bit more time to develop. That extra time, coupled with the bountiful Carneros sunshine during the fall, helped produce wines of vibrant flavor and excellent texture. Patience may not always be our strongpoint since we’re always excited to share our wines with you, but in the end it was well worth the wait.

Vinification

A small amount of Botrytis Cinerea, known as noble rot, helped intensify the aromatic sweetness of this Riesling fruit as we delayed harvest waiting for full flavors to develop. The grapes are whole cluster pressed into a stainless steel tank in addition to small amounts into clay amphora and neutral oak, then fermented cold to capture the gorgeous aromatics. Traditional German Kabinett style wines provide our inspiration for this dryer style of Riesling with lip smacking acidity.

Tasting Notes

This wine is the liquid version of a walk through a Carneros vineyard in Spring. Bursting with aromas of white flowers, fresh peach and tangy apple notes. With time in the glass, the nose opens to beeswax, lavender and honey. The tangy complex palate shows bright acidity, drawing out flavors of lemongrass and Asian pear with a long graceful finish. Grab a glass and stroll through the vineyard!