Shibumi Knoll, Chardonnay, Buena Tierra Vineyard, Russian River Valley, California, 2021

Overview of the Wine
Picture this fairytale setting: a country cottage on top of a gentle grassy knoll which opens up to a vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon and sweeping views of both the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This is Shibumi Knoll. 

When Don and Joann Ross moved to the Napa Valley in 2003, their plan was to simplify. They wanted a home and a life that slowed down the moments and enriched the things they cared about most - their relationships with their family, friends, and the land. This idyllic setting was exactly what they were looking for, and the .75-acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vines that came with the 3-acre property was an enticing new project for the couple. Come to find out that not only was the vineyard planted on the distinct rocky soils of Mill Creek's alluvial fan, but that with their purchase they also inherited David Abreu's world-class vineyard management team. This was a special piece of land. 

When it came time to name their family label, Don and Joann quickly arrived at the name 'Shibumi Knoll'. Shibumi, is a Japanese word describing a physical and emotional state which most nearly translates to "the pursuit of perfection though simplicity" or "Effortless Perfection". This spoke to both the way they sought to live life as well as the way they hoped to make wine - a perfect fit. All of the pieces finally fell into place when Don and Joann were able to bring Thomas Rivers Brown on board as their winemaker. Truly one of the greatest winemakers in the Napa Valley and beyond (Pulido-Walker, Riverain, Swagger, I could go on...), Shibumi Knoll was set for success.

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Russian River Valley, Napa Valley, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Chardonnay will leave you loving each sip. Its diverse structure of beautiful balance can be paired with many dishes as well as a stand-alone delight. Shibumi has always been a drinkable wine that you don’t want to put down, this is no exception and will prove to be one of my favorites and I hope yours too. The nose is like breathing in sweet apples with a hint of pineapple and apricots. The color is bright and fresh. The taste is crisp and refreshing with hints of tangerine and stone fruit. This vintage is delicate with a sophistication and elegance that creates pure delight as on a blue sky, soft breeze summer's day. Chardonnay has a basket of bright aromas of apricot and peach. The palate opens with a rich acidity that melts away and gives into a creamy finish - like lemon meringue for the holidays!

96 Poing - Jeb Dunnuck
Stone fruits, buttered citrus, white flowers, and a subtle hint of green almonds all emerge from the 2021 Chardonnay Buena Tierra Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied, ripe, yet elegant Chardonnay. I love its overall balance, and it brings an impressive mix of richness and elegance.

Product size: 750ml