De Loach Winery Chardonnay Russian River Valley Bio 2016

As a pioneering producer and winegrower of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, DeLoach Vineyards has been experimenting with and perfecting the best combinations of soil, rootstock and clones for over four decades. In 2003, the Boisset family brought two generations of sustainable winemaking experience from Burgundy, France to California’s Russian River Valley and started the process of transitioning the 17-acre estate vineyard to organic and Biodynamic farming, starting by pulling up the vines and planting cover crops in order to revitalize the soil. During the replanting DeLoach partnered with winegrowers equally dedicated to and passionate about eco-friendly farming practices and the production of high-quality wines — relationships that continue today. When this Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Zinfandel great was purchased by the scion of a big French wine company, the focus of the operation became less “mainstream,” not more. Like Benziger, Deloach celebrates its organic and Biodynamic certified status and encourages visitors to learn more in its garden experience and tasting flights. Owners Suzanne Hagins and Chris Condos are so committed to making wine only from certified organic grapes, they say so right on the label! It’s not as common as you might think. This husband and wife team, both career winemakers, have managed to put together a little garden oasis amid the apple trees of Sebastopol, and they pour organic cider, too, with wine fresh from the tap at their stylish tasting room. Look for their new certified organic wine, too — which means no sulfites added — when it’s available, as well as a Biodynamic wine or two.