Iron Horse Vineyards
Classic Vintage Brut 2019
Russian River Valley, California
BUBBLY WINE STYLE
Classic Vintage Brut is considered the flagship wine of the estate and epitomizes the family’s dedication to excellence. Its quality and finesse evoke memories of Champagne, yet its flavors distinctly represent Sonoma County’s Russian River, Green Valley, and especially Iron Horse. Delightful and complex aromas of rising dough, orange marmalade, and baked apple lead to a perfectly balanced palate, showcasing ripe red apple, mandarin orange, and hazelnut. The intricate flavors and textures are matched only by the pure pleasure of its enjoyment.
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 67% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay
Dosage: 0.5-1.0 g/dL
Fermentation: Gently pressed as whole clusters yielding base wines of great delicacy. A long, cool ferment at 62º to 65ºF retains vibrant fruit esters. Individual lots of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with a shy nose and a touch of fruit are blended to create a sparkling wine that shows rich, nutty, and toasty aromas with a hint of fruit and wonderful complexity. The dosage for this wine is 8 mls of BdB LEX, 8 mls of Rued Chardonnay, 2 mls of 1986 LD Blanc de Blancs.
Accolades: 94 pts. Wine Spectator – “A bubbly with richness and verve, this cuvée offers lilting apple tart, crème brûlée and lemon verbena flavors that finish with a spicy, fresh ginger accent.” – T.F 9/23
Vineyard:
- Soils: The Iron Horse estate is in the heart of Green Valley’s cool and foggy climate, 13 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The predominant soil-type is called “Gold Ridge”, a sandy loam that has excellent drainage and is perfectly, inherently balanced, making it one of the most coveted soil types, especially for growing Pinot Noir.
- Farming: The certified sustainable estate features 164 acres under vine, planted exclusively to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir across a patchwork of gentle, rolling hills. Each of the 39 blocks has been planted with site-specific rootstock and clonal selections, enabling Iron Horse to farm, harvest, and vinify each block separately.
Founded in 1976 by Audrey and Barry Sterling, Iron Horse has become a prominent name in American sparkling wine. Located in the cool microclimate of the Green Valley AVA, the estate spans 300 acres, with 164 acres dedicated to vineyards split equally between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Today, the second generation—Joy Sterling and her brother Laurence—manage the estate, focusing on enhancing vineyard practices, adopting regenerative agriculture and sustainability initiatives, and supporting their community and the environment. Learn more here.
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