2009 Chalk Hill Russian River Valley Syrah

Chalk Hill Winery is a 280-acre estate in the Russian River Valley of California. It was founded in 1982 by Frederick and Peggy Furth, but in 2010 it was sold to the Foley Family Wines conglomerate. William Foley is a Florida-based businessman who owns numerous wine estates in California and elsewhere. The winery has long been known for its Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs though today it also makes Syrah, Cabernet-Malbec, Pinot Gris and Viognier.

Russian River Valley AVA is named for the river that meanders from Mendocino County in the north until it finally runs into the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco. The AVA is cool thanks to its proximity to the northern California coast and the river, and grape growers must learn to deal with regular fog. Nevertheless in recent decades the AVA has become one of the best in the state, meaning that its wines often earn excellent reviews and have considerable cachet. The AVA status was awarded in 1983 and today the appellation has 15,000 vineyard acres. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape though Pinot Noir has also been very successful in recent decades. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir are known for being rich, lush and filled with concentrated fruit and berry flavors. Russian River Pinot Noirs are today considered some of the best domestic Pinot Noirs.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.