Girasole Vineyards
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
The estate grown, organically farmed grapes for this wine were hand-harvested from our home ranch (85%) and tasting room (15%) vineyards in mid-October 2021.
The grapes were delivered to our winery a mile down the road where they were gently destemmed to a refrigerated tank for fermentation. After 48 hours of cool soaking, the grapes were inoculated with a CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certified yeast. Once primary fermentation was complete, the must was delicately pressed to remove the skins and seeds. The wine was stored in tank until malolactic fermentation was complete and then racked off its lees and aged on French oak for 9 months.
Medium ruby in color, this wine opens with inviting aromas of red cherry, sage and mint. Deep, brooding flavors of chocolate covered blackberries meld with mild toasty oak and graham cracker.
The soft and supple tannins make this cabernet a very approach able and easy-to-drink wine.
Alcohol: 14.5 %
Varietal Composition: 100% cabernet sauvignon
Appellation: Mendocino County
Winemaker: Randy Meyer
2022 Charlie’s Blend
Born in 1926 to first generation French and Italian immigrants, Charlie Barra was a teenager when he began working in the vineyards alongside his grandfather, father and brothers in Mendocino County. He planted his first vineyard on the 175-acre home ranch, Redwood Valley Vineyards, in 1955. His early commitment to organic farming served as an inspiration to many, and the results are still visible today across our 350 acres of estate grown, certified organic vineyards that are home to fertile soils teeming with beneficial insects, 8 rainwater-fed ponds and abundant wildlife.
Paying tribute to his legacy, we’ve created “Charlie’s Blend” consisting of cabernet, zinfandel and petite sirah grown across our family’s three certified organic vineyard sites.
This wine opens with inviting aromas of ripe blackberries and cherries, intertwined with notes of plum and a subtle hint of vanilla. On the palate, this wine is medium to full-bodied, with a well-balanced structure. The rich flavors of blackcurrant and raspberry are dominant, complemented by the spiciness of the zinfandel. The cabernet adds depth with its firm tannins and a touch of cocoa, while the petite sirah contributes bold, juicy acidity and hints of black pepper.
Alcohol: 14.5 %
Appellation: Mendocino County
Varietal Composition: 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Zinfandel, 21% Petite Sirah
Winemaker: Randy Meyer
2023 Chardonnay
Our single vineyard certified organic chardonnay grapes were hand-harvested in late September 2023 from our home ranch, Redwood Valley Vineyards. The cold fruit was destemmed and transferred to our tank press. The juice was then cold settled and clarified for 48 hours. The fresh, clean juice was then separated from the lees prior to yeast inoculation. Cold aged on light oak for 7 months to aid in mouthfeel development and aromatic complexity.
This wine invites you in with enticing aromas of golden apple and luscious ripe pear, accented by hints of white pepper and buttery shortbread cookies. On the palate, vibrant flavors of lemon and succulent pineapple are beautifully complemented by a subtle touch of toasty French oak. The bright, mineral-driven acidity perfectly balances the wine's richness.
Alcohol: 14.0%
Varietal Composition: 100% chardonnay Single vineyard
Appellation: Mendocino County
Winemaker: Randy Meyer
2023 Pinot Blanc
There are approximately 425 acres of pinot blanc grown in the state of California. The Barra family farms 14.5 of these acres in the Pinnobie and Redvine soils of Redwood Valley, located 825 feet above sea level in the Mendocino County appellation.
The certified organic grapes for this single-vineyard wine were hand harvested in early September 2023. This vintage was met with a cooler than normal growing season, resulting in a wine that delivers some amazingly delicate citrus notes. Our old clone (which we have found lifts mouthfeel and stone fruit characteristics) was artfully blended with our new clone that tends to accentuate the kiwi and citrus flavors. The cold fruit was destemmed and immediately transferred to our tank press. The wine was fermented cold at 50 55F to produce maximum esters and delicate flavors. Extended cold aging in stainless steel at 40F retains freshness and fruit character.
Pale straw in color with delicate greenish highlights, reflecting its youthful vibrancy and freshness. On the nose, this pinot blanc is beautifully aromatic. It opens with enticing notes of fresh pear and white peach, complemented by delicate floral nuances of kiwi and honeysuckle. Subtle hints of citrus zest and a faint touch of wet stone add complexity. This wine boasts a medium body with a silky texture that coats the mouth yet retains a refreshing and clean finish.
Alcohol: 13.0 %
Varietal Composition: 100% Pinot Blanc Single vineyard
Appellation: Mendocino County
Winemaker: Randy Meyer