The Vineyard: Located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Bucher Vineyard was founded in 1997 by John Bucher. After graduating from UC Davis, John returned to Healdsburg to manage the family dairy farm and soon diversified into wine grapes. Additional plantings followed in 1998, 1999, 2006, 2008, and 2009. Today Bucher Vineyard consists of 36 acres of Pinot Noir grapes and 2 acres of Chardonnay, all sustainably farmed.

Vintage Notes: Our 2014 Rio Oro Chardonnay is our first barrel-aged Chardonnay. The wine is a blend of two vineyards and two clones. We source the Robert Young Chardonnay (clone 17) from a neighboring grower on Westside Road. Because their vineyard is very close to the Russian River and ours looks over the Russian River Valley, we named the blend Rio Oro (Spanish for River of Gold).

The Robert Young clone contributes tropical aromatics, great weight and crisp acidity. The clone 4, grown at Bucher Vineyard in the Corner Block, is noted for its round firm body with undertones of baked apple and tropical fruit, and delivers a long finish. We harvest and barrel ferment the fruit separately, and then blend the clones together to create this complex Chardonnay.

Tasting Notes: Enticing aromatics of juicy fresh-cut pear merge with Meyer lemon, honeysuckle and hints of spice. The silken smooth entry offers Asian pear, tropical fruit and butterscotch laced with traces of citrus and a mineral essence. As the creamy texture glides across the palate, the luscious flavors expand and linger.