2020 Apple Alley Vineyard
Apple Alley is the nickname given to the dirt road that winds up from the winery deep into the vineyard situated above Roederer Estate. Formerly a large apple orchard, the trees along the dirt road are the last remnants of the original plantings, with some nearing 100 years in age. On the nose, delicate aromas of baked pie crust and spices dominate. A round entry leads to baked lemon curd notes.93 Points
Precise and alluring, with elegantly layered apple, citrus, blanched almond and lemon custard flavors that finish on a refreshing steely accent.
— Wine Spectator, Tim Fish, February 202590 Points
Made to highlight some of the family-owned vineyards behind site-specific wines in the region, the 2020 Apple Alley Vineyard is a single-vineyard release named for the dirt road that leads to a vineyard above the producer's estate, once a large apple orchard. Combining 74.2% Chardonnay and 25.8% Pinot Noir, it was fermented in a majority of stainless-steel tanks and 8% oak cask, including 1.4% reserve wine from oak cask (vintages 2017 and 2018). Generous in a medium-bodied style, it hints at apple pie and lemon curd, with a bold layering of creamy pastry. The acidity is soft and well-integrated, dosage is 6 grams per liter.
— JebDunnuck.com, Virginie Boone, February 2025
93 Points
Precise and alluring, with elegantly layered apple, citrus, blanched almond and lemon custard flavors that finish on a refreshing steely accent.