2013 Ella’s Reserve Pinot Noir, 2014 Sauvignon Blanc and 2014 Chardonnay Released in December 2015
PHILO, CA – (December 8, 2015) – Fathers & Daughters Cellars, a collaborative and multigenerational label by the family of Ferrington Vineyard, today announced their second release of wines from this storied vineyard.
Located in California’s far northern reaches, the pastoral Anderson Valley boasts world-class vineyards nestled among sheep ranches and orchards. Over the years, the Ferrington Vineyard has built a reputation for growing premium grapes, with their fruit achieving an almost cult-like status. Believing that the relationship between a father and daughter is both singular and special, and that wine, like relationships, evolves and matures over time, the fathers and daughters of Ferrington joined together in a labor of love to craft small batches of wine and build a legacy business that will be passed down through the generations. These latest releases are a testament to that philosophy.
The 2013 Growing Season
As California settled firmly into a drought cycle, the vines could feel the shortage and wasted no time, budding out a full 3 weeks earlier than normal. Luckily, the temperatures stayed moderate, and the vines were able to slow down as the maritime layer arrived, blanketing the valley in fog each morning throughout the summer and fall. The combination of early flavor development and very cool nights at harvest made 2013 an ideal vintage.
2013 Ella’s Reserve Pinot Noir
The flagship wine of Fathers & Daughters Cellars, the 2013 Ella’s Reserve offers a sophisticated and complex Pinot Noir. A refined elegance defines this multi-faceted wine. The high-toned nose proffers a true bouquet of delicate rose petal and violets underpinned by strawberry preserves and a subtle spice. The palate begins with freshly-picked cherries, soft mushroom and forest floor. Wild blackberry and integrated oak combine with a hint of tobacco leaf to round out the mid-palate. Graphite and bright plum allude to the appellation’s minerality, while fine dusty tannins give gentle texture to the exquisite long finish.
The 2014 Growing Season
2014 saw a continuation of the drought conditions, leading to good flavor development at low sugars. During early summer afternoons, high maritime breezes swept through the Anderson Valley. This, along with the cooling maritime fog that blanketed the valley at night, contributed to the wine’s vibrancy, freshness and tension. The combination of early bud break and an early harvest allowed ample time on the vines while still retaining moderate alcohols.
2014 Sauvignon Blanc
A unique block of 40 year old Sauvignon Blanc vines was used to make this delicately-balanced and bright, mineral wine. Grassy notes dominate the lively nose. Juicy green melon and tropical fruit blend seamlessly with overtones of jasmine and lemon zest. On the palate, crisp apple, watermelon and starfruit combine with a hint of spice. The smooth mouthfeel provides a perfectly balanced and refreshing weight, leading to a delicious clean finish of flint and green pepper.
2014 Chardonnay
Built for age, this wine’s bright acidity begins on the nose with tones of Meyer lemon and pink grapefruit complimented by delicate florals of orange blossom. A lean, vibrant mouthfeel and notes of fresh sea-spray set this sophisticated and invigorating Chardonnay apart from the crowd. On the palate, citrus tones are tamed by steely minerality: fresh, zippy lime, passion fruit and kumquat are matched by slate, wet river-stone and green apple. This is a truly focused Chardonnay with a mouthwateringly long finish to match.
About Fathers & Daughters Cellars
Fathers & Daughters Cellars is one family’s labor of love to produce artisanal wines from the Anderson Valley’s storied Ferrington Vineyard. Small batches, carefully crafted and fermented using old-world techniques, yield wines that are truly reflective of their terroir. Like the relationship between a father and daughter, these wines will continue to evolve as they mature.
For further information on Fathers & Daughters Cellars, please visit www.FandDCellars.com. Like F&D Cellars on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fathersanddaughterscellars.
