By Nestled in the rolling hills of western Sonoma County, the Russian River/Green Valley appellation is a perfect microclimate for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This is where Marimar Torres started planting her vineyards in 1986. The wines are made entirely from estate-grown grapes. The vineyard is unique in California because it is totally European in growing style. Yields are low and labor is intensive, but the vines live longer and produce grapes with greater concentration of flavors, more refined and elegant aromas, and better balance.
The charming tasting room, decorated with antique winemaking equipment, furniture, and crockery brought over from Catalonia, includes a professional kitchen and a spacious dining room with a dramatic fireplace and territorial vistas. The winery is now open seven days a week for tastings and tours, by appointment.
After earning remarkable academic credentials and holding impressive career roles, Marimar’s daughter, Christina Torres, recently joined the winery as Director of Sales & Marketing. The Torres family business has been handed down from father to son for five generations, but this is the first time that the baton will be passed from mother to daughter.
Vintage: 2015
Varietal: Chardonnay
The Clones and the Barrels: Clones were 50% See, 30% Rued and 20% Spring Mountain
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Aging: 17 months of French oak aging sur lie (on the lees)
Alcohol %: 14.5
Wine Enthusiast Rating: 92 pts
Tasting Notes
Beautiful golden color and enticing aromas of flan and lemon pudding, with notes of citrusy fruit. The palate is rich and creamy, with hints of hazelnut and perfectly integrated oak. The finish is long and lingering, promising a long life.
Winemaker Notes
Why “Dobles Lías”? Dobles Lías (Doh-bles Lee-as) means ‘double lees’ in Spanish and it refers to the extended lees contact used for this small bottling of Chardonnay. Lees are essentially the yeasts that remain at the bottom of the barrel after finishing the primary fermentation. Extended lees contact, a traditional Burgundian technique used in conjunction with barrel fermentation, adds richness (texture) and complexity as the yeast cells break down (yeast autolysis), releasing amino acids.
Food Pairing Notes
Black Rice & Seafood Paella. This is ambitious and will take a little effort, but the result will be a most memorable food and wine experience. This recipe and others can be found at www.MarimarEstate.com.
Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery
11400 Graton Road
Sebastopol, CA
(707) 823-4365
www.MarimarEstate.com