Region: Russian River, Sonoma County, California

Varietal: 100% Chardonnay

Tasting notes: From a blend of sites, this appellation wine is robustly built and structured. Given time in 10% new oak, it combines clones as well as place, showing intensely layered elements of quince, fig and baked pear. Nutmeg and vanilla oak round it out further.

Producer: Donald Patz is a +30 year veteran of the California wine business with experience at multiple wineries during his career but most recently with the company he founded in 1988 - Patz & Hall. His pursuit of the greatest expression of California vineyards is well known. Now he's bringing that experience to new wines that offer complexity - intensity - drinkability at the luxury level.

Vineyard and Winemaking: MARITANA VINEYARDS is dedicated to the Russian River Valley of Sonoma. They source Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from some of the top vineyard sites including the Dutton Ranch, Chenoweth Vineyards, Martinelli as well as others. The style of Chardonnay is grounded in the elegant and floral character of Russian River Valley fruit. Barrel Fermented in primarily once-used French oak barrels the resulting wines are both dramatic and fresh.