Dec 30, 2022
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Chalk Hill Estate Vineyard & Winery
| Owner(s) | William Foley II |
| Web site | www.chalkhill.com |
| Link to this site |
Chalk Hill's founder, Fred Furth, was piloting his plane over the Russian River Valley when he caught site of a natural amphitheater carved into the hills of eastern Sonoma. The winery became known for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and proprietary Estate Red wines.
William P. Foley II is the current owner. He hired Steve Nelson as the new winemaker in 2015. Nelson had been the assistant winemaker at Lewis Cellars in Napa and previously worked for Sebastiani, Joel Gott Wines and Joseph Phelps Vineyards.
A Russian River Valley Pinot Noir was released from the 2013 vintage. The Chalk Hill Estate is too warm for Pinot Noir, so the grapes were sourced from the estate Trenton Road Vineyard, just a few miles west of the winery. The 45-acre Trenton Road Vineyard is planted primarily to Mt. Eden, Pommard, Swan and 777 clones.
Tours and tastings are offered in a variety of formats. The tasting room is open daily.
Articles About Chalk Hill Estate Vineyard & Winery
Reviewed Wines
2016 Chalk Hill Mt. Eden Clone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.80, TA 0.60, 280 cases,
$60. Proprietor is William P. Foley II. Grown, produced and bottled by Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Healdsburg.
The Chalk Hill Estate located in the northeastern hills of the Russian River Valley is a bit warm for growing
Pinot Noir, but the winery’s Trenton Road Vineyard, located a few miles west is better situated. The vineyard’s
45 acres are planted to Mt. Eden and Pommard clones and Swan selections of Pinot Noir. Average harvest Brix
24.7º. Aged 10 months with monthly lees stirring for 4 months in French oak barrels, 67% new.
·
Dark garnet
color in the glass. Aromas of dark berry fruits, toast and cigar box lead to a mid weight plus array of very ripe
blackberry and black currant flavors accented with notes of smoke and toast. The high alcohol propels the
wine’s lush, velvety structure. The firm tannin structure supports the richly fruited core. The wine lacks some
vibrancy and the finish is very modest. The impression is a wine from a warm site with some resemblance to a
Syrah.
Score: 87.
Reviewed December 3, 2017
ARTICLE »
2016 Chalk Hill Mt. Eden Clone Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.9% alc., pH 3.80, TA 0.60, 280 cases, $60. Proprietor is William P. Foley II. Grown, produced and bottled by Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Healdsburg. The Chalk Hill Estate located in the northeastern hills of the Russian River Valley is a bit warm for growing Pinot Noir, but the winery’s Trenton Road Vineyard, located a few miles west is better situated. The vineyard’s 45 acres are planted to Mt. Eden and Pommard clones and Swan selections of Pinot Noir. Average harvest Brix 24.7º. Aged 10 months with monthly lees stirring for 4 months in French oak barrels, 67% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark berry fruits, toast and cigar box lead to a mid weight plus array of very ripe blackberry and black currant flavors accented with notes of smoke and toast. The high alcohol propels the wine’s lush, velvety structure. The firm tannin structure supports the richly fruited core. The wine lacks some vibrancy and the finish is very modest. The impression is a wine from a warm site with some resemblance to a Syrah. Score: 87. Reviewed December 3, 2017 ARTICLE »