La Follette Wines

Van der Kamp Vineyard, La Follette's source of grapes on Sonoma Mountain

Profile: La Follette is the brand new namesake winery of longtime Sonoma winemaker Greg La Follette. (La Follette has had a hand in the success of several Sonoma County wineries including Flowers and DeLoach.) He is known as one of California's leading experts in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and started Tandem Winery in 2001 to showcase the two varietals. A partnership with Quivera Vineyards in 2009 allowed La Follette to take his critically acclaimed Tandem and relaunch it on a larger scale as La Follette. The winery is concentrating on a line of terroir-specific Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from vineyards across Northern California.

2008 Sangiacomo Chardonnay
Varietal/Style: Chardonnay
Origin: Sonoma Coast, CA
Vintage: 2008
Winemaker: Greg La Follette
Rating: 15/20
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: The 2008 Sangiacamo Chardonnay exhibits all the characteristics for which Greg is known. Its aromas and flavors are a balance of the vineyard's nuances and the aging process with bright acidity, pear and floral notes mixed with yeasty, toasty, sweaty, feral undertones. The wine lingers long with vanilla and caramel but its acidity persists all the way to the back of the palate, making the wine food-friendly. Try it with simple meats like roast chicken or halibut. Its acid will also cut through the richness of a butter sauce or olive oil poached tuna. Or go even simpler with a platter of goat and sheep's milk cheese and poached pears. (Date tasted 10/20/10)

Wine of the Week October 25, 2010:
2008 Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay

Also see our Tasting Notes for other La Follette wines:
2008 Manchester Ridge Vineyard Chardonay
2008 Manchester Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir
2009 Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay
2009 Sangiacomo Vineyard Pinot Noir
2009 Van der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Noir
2010 Van der Kamp Vineyard Pinot Meunier

Address:
4900 W. Dry Creek Rd.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707-395-3902
www.lafollettewines.com

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PMS100110

(Updated: 03/08/13 BH)

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