2021 Sparkling Wine

2021 Sparkling Wine 

A few years ago, we had an ‘ah-ha’ moment when two key events happened within weeks of each other. First, we realized we were nearing in on the 20th vintage of Medlock Ames and were debating which wine we’d want to highlight to celebrate the occasion. Around that time, we also saw that the single acre of Pinot Noir, planted in the coolest, most southern part of Bell Mountain was producing incredible fruit but so little that we almost couldn’t make enough to bottle as Pinot Noir. The idea came quickly to make a traditional Champagne method brut sparkling wine that combines our Russian River Valley Pinot Noir with the Chardonnay grapes grown in the next rows.  

Fresh, lively, and complex, the 2021 vintage sparkling wine opens with enticing aromas of lemon shortbread and delicate apple blossom. On the palate, layers of white peach galette and summer strawberry unfold over a vibrant mineral backbone. The mousse is exceptionally fine and elegant, enveloping the palate with a creamy texture that leads into a rich yet refreshing finish. Bright and textured, this wine captures the essence of celebration. 

Vintage  

2021 vintage is one to remember. The vines enjoyed mild ripening weather throughout the summer and fall with very few days of intense heat spikes. This allowed us to pick at the ideal time for each variety and block at Bell Mountain Vineyard. The acidity held up as the flavor and fruit development continued with ample ripening time for an abundance of aromatic qualities and elegant fruit flavors to develop. Drought conditions for the second consecutive year impacted vine vigor and crop potential. Berry and cluster sizes were on the smaller side but yielded a high concentration of flavor. 2021 has some of the lowest yields since we’ve been farming Bell Mountain Vineyard, but this was offset by the exceptional quality of the wines.