Sonoma Wines

Introduction

Chalk Hill's potential as a world-class wine estate began eons ago in the geologic timeline that lifted, folded, fractured, and weathered this terrain on the slow march to terroir.

History

Grapes have been grown in Chalk Hill since the 1860s.  During this time Sara Latimer, the wife of successful local attorney Lorenzo D. Latimer, channeled her energies to transform their farm into the Glen Valley Resort as a healing destination due to the nearby hot springs.  Wine grapes were grown on this estate where travelers and visitors from San Francisco would make the full day train and wagon journey to indulge in the rustic charm of Chalk Hill and its healing natural hot spring waters. 

Geography and Climate

The Chalk Hill AVA covers 33 square miles (85 square kilometers) of land on the north side of Windsor and extends along a short northeastern stretch of the Russian River.  The region has 1,600 acres (650 hectares) of planted vineyard land, much of which is located along the western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountain reaching up to altitudes of 200-1300 feet (60-400 meters).  The Chalk Hill region takes it name from the "chalky" white soils of the area. The soils themselves don't contain chalk but are actually made up of a mixture of quartzite volcanic ash, sand and silty loam that produces a "chalky" appearance in the soil.  This hillside composition has fostered excellent drainage and combined with the sunny exposures has created an truly unique wine making region. The volcanic materials have been deposited into the region by Mount St. Helena over the course of several centuries.  This has kept land fertility and vine vigor in check.  The region has outdoor attractions beyond wine vineyards, including an Olympic quality equestrian arena, an expansive African wildlife park, various horticulture nurseries, and olive tree orchards.

The Chalk Hill region is relatively warm compared to the rest of the Russian River Valley causing wine grapes to ripen sooner which means harvest time often takes place in September compared with harvests in surrounding areas usually taking place in October.

Wines

Chalk Hill is one of Sonoma County's the oldest appellations.  The majority of vineyards in the area are located to the east of the 101 highway near the town of Windsor and the majority of its wineries are located on the western slopes of the the Mayacamas Mountains.  The appellation benefits from Russian River deposits and the warmer, drier climate than in the rest of Sonoma County. The well draining chalky hillsides are well suited to the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc.  The unique volcanic soil contributes particularly well to white wine varietals such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to which they impart mineral-filled feels.  The Cabernet Sauvignons as black currant and cassis, the Sauvignon Blancs tangy and fresh, and the Chardonnays powerful and robust.  Cabernet Franc and Merlot, both of which are often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon to add nuance and complexity, also do well in this region.