SKURNIK WINES® Anthill Farms Chardonnay – 6058272555167

Notes from the Winemaker:
This head-trained vineyard sits smack dab in the middle of the Russian River Valley, spread out on the plains that make up the northwestern outskirts of Santa Rosa. The faded brown soils, known as Huichica loam, offer an excellent mix of low fertility and rapid drainage. Most notable about the site, however, is the age of the vines: we don’t know it exactly, but the best indication is that they were planted in the early 1940s, making these some of the oldest producing Chardonnay in the state.

This wine is a more louche character than the 2015; upon opening, it quickly uncoils to reveal layers of Asian pear skin, lanolin, and sweetgrass. With air and a little warmth, notes of pungent gooseberry and white pepper emerge, tempered by soft, talcum-like sweetness. The palate opens to reveal waves of cool lemon blossom, wet slate, and a core of precise, refreshing acidity. Drink now through 2025. Alcohol: 14.1%.

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous:
“The 2016 Chardonnay Peugh Vineyard is rich, pliant and very nicely textured. These 70 year-old, head-trained vines confer unusual intensity. The apricot, dried pear, chamomile and dried flower notes give the Peugh a distinctly savory quality.” – Antonio Galloni (Apr 2018)