EnRoute Brumaire Chardonnay 2022

Region and Vineyards

The Russian River Valley in Sonoma County is renowned for its cool climate, ideal for producing elegant and balanced Chardonnay. The region’s signature fog, which rolls in from the Pacific Ocean, plays a key role in moderating temperatures, allowing grapes to retain acidity while developing complex flavors.

The EnRoute Chardonnay "Brumaire" takes its name from the fog (Brumaire) that envelops the vineyards, creating the perfect conditions for cultivating Chardonnay. The wine is a blend of select clones, including the Wente clone, which adds a rich, oily texture and tropical notes, and the Rued clone, contributing floral aromas. These clones are grown in key areas of the Russian River Valley, such as Green Valley and Sebastopol, where the Goldridge sandy loam soils enhance the freshness and complexity of the fruit.

Winemaking

This 100% Chardonnay was harvested in mid-September, with careful attention to optimal ripeness. The fruit underwent whole cluster pressing, followed by fermentation entirely in French oak barrels. The wine was then aged for 9 months sur lie in French oak barrels (40% new, 60% used once), which imparted a creamy texture and nuanced oak flavors without overpowering the natural fruit character.

The winemaking process emphasizes balance, aiming to retain the bright, fresh acidity of the fruit while adding layers of complexity from the oak and lees aging.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright pale gold.
• Aroma: Aromas of key lime pie, lemon zest, and subtle floral notes.
• Palate: The wine opens with a zesty acidity, bringing flavors of lemon meringue and evolving into baked apple with hints of confectionary spices. The finish is long and lifted, with a delicate balance between creaminess and acidity.

Did you know?

The name "Brumaire" refers to the seasonal fog that blankets the vineyards in the Russian River Valley, providing the cool, steady temperatures that help maintain the vibrant acidity and fresh fruit flavors in the wine. This fog is critical in creating the unique growing conditions that make the region's Chardonnay so distinctive.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Crab Cakes with Citrus Aioli: The wine’s zesty lemon notes and refreshing acidity complement the rich, savory flavors of crab cakes, while the creamy texture pairs well with the aioli.
• Roasted Chicken with Thyme and Garlic: The baked apple and subtle spice flavors in the wine enhance the herbaceous and savory notes of roasted chicken.
• Lobster Risotto: The creamy texture of the Chardonnay matches the rich, buttery nature of the risotto, while the acidity cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Goat Cheese Salad with Pear and Walnuts: The wine’s bright acidity and fruit-forward profile balance the tangy goat cheese and the sweetness of the pear.

History of EnRoute

The EnRoute story begins with a deep-rooted admiration for Pinot Noir. The founding partners of Napa Valley’s prestigious Far Niente Winery had been experimenting with the varietal since the 1980s. Their growing fascination with the grape’s potential in cooler regions ultimately led to the creation of EnRoute in 2007.

Driven by a desire to explore the nuances of Russian River Valley terroirs, they established EnRoute with the goal of producing world-class Pinot Noir from vineyards deeply influenced by fog, coastal breezes, and complex soils. The debut vintage, “Les Pommiers” Pinot Noir 2007, was released in 2009 and marked the start of a new chapter for the team—one that diverged from their Cabernet and Chardonnay legacy in Napa to embrace the delicacy and detail of Pinot Noir in Sonoma County.

Today, EnRoute continues under the same ownership group as Far Niente, Dolce, Bella Union, and Nickel & Nickel, with an unwavering commitment to expressing vineyard character through sustainable viticulture and minimalist winemaking.

Region and Vineyards

EnRoute is based in the Russian River Valley AVA, one of California’s most celebrated regions for cool-climate viticulture. Located in Sonoma County, the valley benefits from coastal fog, diurnal temperature shifts, and Goldridge sandy loam soils, which contribute to slow grape ripening, vibrant acidity, and layered aromatics.

The estate focuses on meticulously selected vineyard parcels, including both estate-owned and long-term partner sites in key sub-regions like Green Valley, Sebastopol Hills, and Middle Reach. Among these is the Amber Ridge Vineyard, a cornerstone of the Les Pommiers blend and one of the Russian River’s most respected Pinot Noir sources.

The vineyard practices emphasize sustainability, clonal diversity, and small-lot harvesting, enabling precise control and the crafting of wines that reflect vintage and place.

Wine Range of EnRoute

EnRoute produces a concise and terroir-driven range of wines focused on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay:

• Les Pommiers Pinot Noir – The flagship wine, blending fruit from multiple vineyards across the Russian River Valley to offer balance, red fruit purity, and refined structure.
• Northern Spy Vineyard Pinot Noir – A single-vineyard bottling showcasing earthy depth, firm structure, and aging potential.
• Brumaire Chardonnay – A vibrant, textured wine with orchard fruit, citrus, and subtle oak, sourced from cool-climate sites.

Each wine is fermented in small lots and aged in French oak barrels, with careful blending to preserve vineyard identity and finesse.

Did you know?

The name “EnRoute” was chosen to reflect both a literal and philosophical journey—symbolizing the founders’ transition from Napa to Sonoma, and their ongoing pursuit of Pinot Noir excellence in the Russian River Valley. The flagship wine, Les Pommiers, pays homage to the apple orchards that once dominated the landscape of western Sonoma.