Picket Fence Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2006

The 2006 Picket Fence Russian River Valley Chardonnay embodies Old World charm as well as New World flavor. Sun kissed with a forsythia yellow robe and a soft, sophisticated bouquet reminiscent of apple blossoms, apricot, and cream, it brings a welcome smile to parched lips. In the mouth, Picket Fence caresses the palate and expands into a silky smooth, Burgundy style Chardonnay that evokes the comfort and security of home with savors of Bosc pear, cheese, and freshly baked French bread to tantalize the tongue. Subtle, fruity, and increasing complex as it reaches toward ambient temperature, the 2006 Picket Fence Chardonnay remains forever balanced and eminently drinkable. An elegant, long finish and pleasant persistence add to its appeal. For optimum enjoyment, we suggest serving Picket Fence Chardonnay only moderately chilled (45º-55º F).

The 2006 Picket Fence Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a wine to sip and savor with family and friends in the company of many classic dishes. For starters, salmon pâté and Picket Fence share a natural affinity. Creamy crab dips, savory scallop appetizers, and traditional Northern Italian pasta specialties offer additional opportunities to showcase the more overt charms of the 2006 Picket Fence Chardonnay. Fettuccine Alfredo and Risotto Milanese, with saffron for nuanced flavor, provide superb pairings, too, as they complement the texture of Picket Fence Chardonnay. However, one of our favorite accompaniments to this sophisticated Chardonnay is perhaps the easiest to prepare – cheese. Gruyere or Gouda (un-smoked) affords an ideal way to finish an enjoyable evening as well as a bottle of the 2006 Picket Fence Chardonnay. Enjoy!

Picket Fence is a family owned vineyard in California’s beautiful Russian River Valley. Here, proprietor Katy Leese has teamed up with Don Van Staaveren, one of California’s most celebrated winemakers, to produce some of the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the entire appellation. And when one considers the address, it is obvious that the Russian River Valley does not lack for talent or beg for notoriety. With such legendary names as Patz and Hall, Paul Hobbs, Rochioli, Siduri, and Williams Selyem as neighbors, it is obvious that Picket Fence enjoys good company as well as a great location. And, what do they say about location in the real estate business? Well, even more important, the folks at Picket Fence want you to feel at home and enjoy their wines. With this in mind and two outstanding wines to purvey, Picket Fence is not likely to remain undiscovered for very long. After all, there is only so long that a secret remains a secret, especially in a family. Katy Leese chose the name Picket Fence to reflect what she calls “the incredible sense of place that is embodied in her family’s vineyard and Russian River Valley home and to pay tribute to the belief that picket fences are a timeless symbol encircling what we cherish most.” One taste of this family’s extraordinary wines will solidify the image of coming home, as Picket Fence Chardonnay and Pinot Noir embody not only this special place Katy calls home, but the name carries with it part of the incredible people who make the wine, too. For starters, the Vineyard Manager at Picket Fence is none other than the meticulous Pete Opatz, the current and past president of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association and a man with a long history of producing great Sonoma County fruit. He has worked his magic at Chateau St. Jean and many other premium wineries for over thirty years, before coming to Picket Fence. Paired with Don Van Staaveren, the only winemaker in history to have five wines in the Wine Spectator’s top 100 in the same year, including the #1 wine, these two gentlemen make for a formidable team. Pete and Don’s collaboration constitutes one of California’s greatest parings: Picket Fence is further testament to both men’s dedication and acumen.