The cooling effect of the marine layer fog at the Western reaches of the Russian River Valley provides excellent growing conditions for Chardonnay grapes. Various vineyards within Dutton Ranch are the primary fruit source for Girard Chardonnay with additional fruit coming from La Porte Cochere vineyard. The cooler weather yields higher grape acidity at harvest which helps form the base of Girard's trademark style of bright, clean and non-buttery Chardonnay.Girard 2005 Russian River Chardonnay exhibits wonderful brightness, clarity and light weight on the palate. The crispness and minerality of the wine makes it a lovely food companion but you will find it to be quite enjoyable on its own. Superb lemon and guava aromas with refreshing citrus flavors are accented with hints of toasted cashew and a subtle creamy texture from the sur lies aging.

The French-oak aging on our 2009 Russian River Chardonnay offers up wonderful aromas of vanilla and crème brûlée, a lovely foil to the bright scents of tropical and citrus fruit. On the palate, there is a rich, creamy texture from sur lie aging.