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grwinery.gif Wines Winemaker
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Since 1945 the Paul family has been inviting visitors to our family location for a taste of the Russian River Valley. In early years, fresh apple juice and apples enticed travelers and locals alike to stop by and fill their cars with the sweet aroma of Sonoma County's famous Gravenstein apple. Many of those families made our ranch an annual excursion and we looked forward to visits from the folks we fondly called our regulars. As times have changed, so too has our farm; bins of apples have given way to bins of grapes, and our rustic farm stand has been refurbished into a more modern facility. Today, visitors to our ranch taste the flavor of the Russian River Valley through our proprietary wines.

As a small family operation, three generations of our family still participate in growing and harvesting our bountiful Sonoma County crops. We transform some of the best wine grapes in the region into handcrafted wines. Aged in oak, our buttery Chardonnay and fruity Pinot Noir grapes are transformed from luscious fruit to fine wine in the tradition of skilled vintners. Winemaker Nick Legg produces each vintage in small lots, minimizing air contact during the fermentation process, preserving the natural aromas and flavors. Nick brings his years of experience to our ranch, helping us to capture a bountiful harvest – and our love of the land – in a glass for your dining pleasure.

artbarb~ Art and Barbara Paul

 

Graton Ridge Wines
2006 Chardonnay ~
Russian River Valley

This Chardonnay was barrel fermented and aged on the lees. The primary aromas are pineapple, goose berry, mineral and oak. These are followed by less intense aromas of apple, mango, roasted nuts, white gummy bear, lees and mint. The new oak contributed with hints of cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla and a pleasant toastiness.
The palette of this wine is easy to enjoy. The barrel fermentation and extended lees contact provided a rich, mouth filling quality. The tropical fruit and mineral flavors up front turn into a lingering toasty, mango, mineral aftertaste. It is a medium/heavy weight wine with a rich structure and vibrant acidity. 100% RRV.
  • 230 cases
  • 100% 2006, Russian River Valley
  • 40% new French oak aged for 8 mos.
  • M2 and Burgundy yeasts
  • 14.5% Alcohol
  • 0.585 grams/100 ml TA
  • 3.61 pH

Silver Medal winner at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition!

2006 Pinot Noir ~
Russian River Valley

The aroma of this wine is clearly that of Pinot Noir. You are initially greeted with black cherries, cola, roses and of course that distinctive earthiness. Upon further analysis there are more subtle aromas like cedar, brown sugar, peach candy, molasses and fresh dill. The use of new oak barrels added a nice spicy, toasty, smoky dimension.
The palette of this Pinot Noir is consistent with the aromas. Fresh black cherries and cola up front fade into a lingering smoky, sandalwood aftertaste. It is a medium weight wine with smooth structure and vibrant acidity. 100% RRV.
  • 730 cases
  • 100% 2006, Russian River Valley
  • 28% new French oak, 6% new American oak, 34% total new oak aged for 8 mos.
  • Assmannshausen, Burgundy, and L2226 yeasts
  • 14.5% Alcohol
  • 0.585 grams/100 ml TA
  • 3.78 pH
Graton Ridge 2006 Zinfandel ~ Sonoma County
This wine has concentrated aromas of ripe strawberries and raspberries with a pleasant maple, caramel note. There is a certain amount of spiciness derived from oak, such as cedar, cinnamon, coffee and toast. Underneath all that there is a fresh, floral sweetness that makes the overall impression that much more appealing. The palette of this Zinfandel is rich and lasting. Dried strawberry, black pepper, maple and
brown sugar flavors linger long after consumption. It is a heavy weight wine
with a bold structure and refreshing acidity.
  • 55 cases
  • 100% Sonoma County (Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys)
  • TA= 0.572 g/100mL
  • pH= 3.69
  • Alcohol= 14.5%
  • RS= 206 mg/100mL

The Winemaker
nick
Nick Legg is a highly accomplished winemaker with over 15 years of progressive achievement in the diverse wine regions of Sonoma and Napa counties. His experience ranges from the Villa Mt. Eden Winery in the Napa Valley to Deloach Winery in the Russian River Valley and Trentadue Winery in the Alexander Valley. With his knowledge as an assistant winemaker and cellar master, Nick has applied his considerable skills to give the Graton Ridge Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines their distinctive character.


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