Since 1975, DeLoach Vineyards has been a pioneer in the production of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel in the Russian River Valley. With the conviction that terroir is the driving force behind exceptional wines, the winery was one of the first to fully adapt its vineyards to the laws of Biodynamic farming and become Biodynamic certified.
Today, eight clones of Pinot Noir and two clones of Chardonnay thrive at DeLoach in California, along with a working garden of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The role of each element—from bee pollination, cover crops, and grazing sheep, to a membrane bioreactor water purification system—serves a function, fully exemplifying a holistic ecosystem. What’s more, DeLoach is now powered by 100 percent solar energy.
DeLoach produces more than 15 vineyard designate wines. Each of these wines reflects the aromas and flavors of the vineyard where they were born. This is DeLoach’s passion: to craft wines from grapes grown in accordance with nature’s harmonic balance. Here, the focus is on small-lot winemaking. With the Russian River Valley as the palette, it’s logical that Pinot Noir, the delicate, yet noble variety of Burgundy, takes center stage.
The winery, acquired by Jean-Charles Boisset of Boisset Family Estates in 2003, crafts wines using traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques. Open top wood fermentors, native yeasts, and hand punch-downs (known as pigeage) are practiced diligently.
Set on an idyllic 20-acre organic farm, the winery invites guests to taste DeLoach wines in an environment that takes them beyond nose and palate. Beyond the tasting room, there are numerous private experiences to consider. The Magic of Wine & Mustard awakens the
senses to the wonderful world of wine and mustard. The M.F.S. (My Finest Selection) Blending Experience invites guests to become a master blender and create their own version of DeLoach’s O.F.S. (Our Finest Selection) Pinot Noir.
Regardless of the experience, a visit to DeLoach makes one appreciate the singular terroir of the Russian River Valley.
WHAT TO BUY
’11 OFS Russian River Chardonnay – $32
White peach, citrus, apricot, vanilla, Fuji apple, pineapple
’09 Masút Vineyard Pinot Noir – $45
Cherry pie, pomegranate, cinnamon, caramel, molasses
’09 Forgotten Vines Zinfandel – $36
Dark cherry, blackberry, guava, touch of black pepper
SPECIAL NOTES
Certified organic and Biodynamic, private tastings and tours by appointment, wine club discounts, weddings, receptions.
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Steve Cooper is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Hitched. You can follow him on Twitter at @hitchedmedia.
