{"product_id":"2024-de-loach-california-collection-chardonnay-liberty","title":"2024 De Loach, `California Collection` Chardonnay - Liberty","description":"\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eEstablished in 1973 by Cecil De Loach, a firefighter from San Francisco, De Loach was purchased by Burgundian Jean-Claude Boisset in 2003. His son Jean-Charles Boisset saw similarities between the Russian River Valley and his native Burgundy, recognising the region's potential for producing fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. After acquiring the estate, one of his first decisions was to convert the seven hectares of vineyard surrounding the winery to biodynamic farming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eHead winemaker Brian Maloney, who has worked at De Loach since 2003, proved instrumental in evolving De Loach by exploring different soils across the Russian River Valley and focusing on high-quality, small-lot winemaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eThe ‘California Collection’ wines offer superb value and quality. They are certified sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) with fruit sourced from like-minded partner growers in the Delta region. Here, the cooling influence of the Sacramento River promotes gradual ripening and preserves the grapes’ natural acidity. De Loach’s Russian River Chardonnay is fermented in a combination of stainless-steel tanks and concrete (30%), as well as French oak barrels (70%), of which 10% were new. The barrel-fermented portion of this wine was then aged for 10 months after undergoing malolactic fermentation. The result displays enticing aromas of white peach and brioche, with well-balanced acidity on the palate. In keeping with the estate’s Burgundian heritage, the Russian River Pinot Noir is vinified in open-top wood fermenters and then aged in French oak for 12 months (primarily second, third and fourth use). The wine is multi-layered with fine tannins and bright acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root accordion_paragraphSection__v26kt MuiTypography-body1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe grapes for this Chardonnay are sourced from a long-standing grower partner, with whom De Loach has collaborated since 2009, ensuring consistency and quality in production. The vineyards are certified sustainable under the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA). The majority of the fruit originates from the Delta region, where the cooling influence of the Sacramento River helps maintain the variety’s natural acidity, providing ideal conditions for cultivating premium Chardonnay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiPaper-root MuiAccordion-root accordion_accordion__I9cut Mui-expanded MuiAccordion-rounded MuiPaper-elevation1 MuiPaper-rounded\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiCollapse-root MuiCollapse-entered\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiCollapse-wrapper\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiCollapse-wrapperInner\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv role=\"region\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"MuiAccordionDetails-root\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1\"\u003eThe 2024 vintage was defined by a wet winter and spring, which replenished soil moisture ahead of a hot, dry summer marked by sustained above-average temperatures. These conditions accelerated ripening and increased vine stress, leading to smaller berries and lighter yields. Despite reduced volume, the concentrated fruit produced wines of exceptional depth, showcasing intense colour, rich flavour, and firm tannin structure. Careful canopy management, precise irrigation, and well-timed harvests were key to maintaining balance and preserving natural acidity throughout the vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Chardonnay was fermented primarily in stainless steel, with a small portion aged in oak to soften the palate and enhance texture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MuiTypography-root MuiTypography-body1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis Chardonnay opens with bright citrus aromas of grapefruit, lemon, and a hint of orange peel. On the palate, it is fresh and expressive, showcasing vibrant flavours of green apple and pear. The finish is crisp and mineral-driven, highlighting the wine’s balance, purity, and refined elegance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Wine Tasting Adventure","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56827118158202,"sku":null,"price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0527\/4297\/9770\/files\/DeLoach_CaliforniaCollection_Chardonnay2024__250x500_7bfcba92-21a5-43cf-8808-32048b00b1c9.png?v=1776783369","url":"https:\/\/www.wine-ta.co.uk\/products\/2024-de-loach-california-collection-chardonnay-liberty","provider":"Wine Tasting Adventure","version":"1.0","type":"link"}