By Migration
2021 Russian River Valley Chardonnay Running Creek Vineyard

Estate
Highlighting lush, layered flavors, bright acidity, and impeccably balanced French oak, Migration is dedicated to crafting wines from the finest cool-climate winegrowing regions. This dedication led us to establish our estate vineyard in the heart of the legendary Russian River Valley. This wine is a selection of the best blocks and barrels of wine from this exceptional site. With notes of citrus blossom, white flower, and stone fruit, this wine is layered with flavor and aroma while light and refreshing on the palate.

Vintage Notes
With just 50% of our average rainfall to start the season, we took proactive measures in our vineyards, including early suckering and pruning, careful cover crop management, and targeted irrigation to ensure healthy vines. Spring and summer brought mild-to-warm temperatures that allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, resulting in early flavor development at lower Brix with high acidity. To achieve balanced acids with even more flavor development, we waited patiently until September 1st to begin our Chardonnay harvest and completed our last Pinot Noir pick on October 2nd. The resulting wines offer ideal ripeness, supple textures, and beautifully concentrated flavors.

Winemaking Notes
The 2021 growing season produced a dazzling expression of Running Creek Vineyard Chardonnay with lively aromas of citrus zest, stone fruit, Fuji apple, and fresh honey. On the palate, energetic acidity frames the juicy orchard fruit flavors, with hints of lemon rind and caramel lingering throughout a long, bright finish.

Winemaking
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Vineyards: Running Creek Vineyard, 65% Blocks 1 and 2, 35% Block 4
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Fermentation and Aging: Aged 10 months in 100% French oak; 40% new, 60% neutral
Clones: Clone 4 and Wente
Key Coopers: Leroi, Cadus, Tonnellerie O
Residual Sugar: Dry
Malolactic Fermentation: 75%
Planted: Vineyard planted in 2008
Alcohol: 14.20%
pH: 3.45
Acidity: 0.54 g/100ml
[Information provided by The Duckhorn Portfolio]

Wine: Migration Chardonnay Sonoma County Russian River Valley Running Creek Vineyard 2021
Score/Rating: 93
Review Date: 09/15/2022
Reviewed By: James Suckling
Tasting Notes: Aromas of apricot and sliced apple with some lemon and slate. Matchstick, too. It’s medium- to full-bodied and racy with lively acidity. Drink now.

Wine: Migration 2021 Running Creek Vineyard Chardonnay (Russian River Valley)
Score/Rating: 92
Review Date: 10/01/2023
Reviewed By: Jim Gordon
Tasting Notes: This deep, rich and buttery wine practically oozes vanilla and cream on the palate along with baked apple and brioche nuances that give it a pastry character all the way through.

Wine: 2021 Migration Chardonnay Running Creek Vineyard
Score/Rating: 91
Review Date: 07/21/2023
Reviewed By: Audrey Frick
Tasting Notes: The 2021 Chardonnay Running Creek Vineyard is ripe with fresh pink grapefruit, floral perfume, and melon. Full-bodied, with a clean finish, it’s fresh with notes of sweet tangerine, baby powder, ripe pithy citrus, and hints of almond and warming spice on the finish. It’s a ripe but pretty style to drink over the next few years.

Wine: 2021 Migration Chardonnay Running Creek Vineyard
Score/Rating: 89
Suggested Drinking Window: 2024 - 2029
Review Date: 10/10/2024
Reviewed By: Erin Brooks
Tasting Notes: Matured for 10 months in 40% new French oak, the 2021 Chardonnay Running Creek Vineyard has slowly unfurling scents of orchard fruit, lemon blossoms, toast, cinnamon and meringue. The medium-bodied palate offers concentrated, gently leesy fruit, a touch of phenolic grip and a long, fresh finish.