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The Savoy Vineyard in the Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, has established a firm reputation for producing some of the north coast’s most exceptional cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The 18-hectare, southwest-facing site lies 120 kilometres northwest of the Radio-Coteau estate. Sussman has a per-acre contract and pays a premium for his fruit, so he retains control over how those acres are managed viticulturally. Low yields, green harvesting and organic farming are a few of his requirements.
Like the rest of the Anderson Valley, Savoy enjoys a pronounced diurnal range—night-time drops in temperature can be as much as 25 degrees Celsius—which brings the signature tension of Anderson Valley alongside flavour ripeness in both the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. While a who’s who of the Sonoma wine scene sources Pinot Noir from this vineyard, just over two hectares are planted to Chardonnay, going only to FEL Wines and Radio-Coteau.
Sussman works with two Chardonnay clones within the Savoy site: the Wente clone vines (50%) have small clusters and berries and a mineral profile, while the Prosser clone (50%) lends a more tropical profile to the blend. The fruit was picked in late August and was whole bunch-pressed into barrel for wild fermentation. It underwent full malolactic conversion and enjoyed a 17-month maturation on lees with no stirring in lightly toasted, tightly-grained old French oak. The wine was bottled without fining or filtration.
Compared to the Wingtine, the style is more in the classic Californian vein: richer, with a creamier feel, yet supported by mouth-watering acidity.