Vineyard: Black Emerald

AppellationRussian River Valley
VarietiesChardonnay

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2015 Freeman Vineyards & Winery Ryo-Fu Green Valley of Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.3% alc, 615 cases, $40. A multiple vineyard blend (Keefer Ranch, Heintz Ranch, Black Emerald, Searby and Dutton Mill Station vineyards). Aged 15 months on lees in French oak barrels, 12% new and 88% used. Apparently full malolactic fermentation. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of buttered toast, lemon curd, honey, pineapple and slight matchstick initially. Rich and ripe fruited in a highly flavorful style that retains good vibrancy. Flavors of lemon, pineapple, yellow peach, burnt caramel and vanilla build over time in the glass. Slightly creamy in mouthfeel with some finishing length. The label says, “Burgundian-style,” but this wine is clearly California in style. Score: 91. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Ernest Vineyards The Bombardier Black Emerald Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

13.5% alc., 141 cases, $42. Sourced from a 17-acre vineyard on Vine Hill Road in the heart of the Russian River Valley. Originally planted by Duff Bevill to Old Wente clone of Chardonnay in the 1960s, today the owners are Dennis and Mary Black and the site is called Black Emerald. 75% Black Emerald and 25% Green Valley Ranch vineyards. Wente 4 and Rued clones harvested at an average Brix of 23.2º. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 43% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. A more ripely fruited wine with more oak seasoning. Aromas of charred lemon, yellow apple, poached pear, pastry cream and spice. Richly flavored, with tastes of lemon, pear, pineapple and toast. Viscous in texture, with some fruit persistence on the finish. Rewarding ripe fruit flavors, but lacking some of the vibrancy exhibited by The Farmer bottling. Score: 90. Reviewed October 19, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Eric Kent Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.2% alc., pH 3.36, TA 0.63, 341 cases, $42. Released spring 2015. 50% Stiling, 36% Black Emerald, and 14% Roberts Road vineyards. 50% Rued clone, 36% clone 4 and 14% Robert Young clone. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. The nose is pleasant but not particularly complex, offering the aroma of cut apple. More interesting on the palate, with flavors of lemon, pomelo and toffee backed by vibrant acidity. Nicely balanced, with modest richness and fullness on the palate. Score: 89. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »