Chev Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2021

An entomologist by trade, Michael Browne’s father, Bob Browne, found his true passion being a woodworker and craftsman. At a very young age, Michael caught the bug (pun intended) and would enjoy going antiquing with his dad, finding furniture to strip-down and re-envision, all the while “geeking-out” analyzing wood grains and textures. It was during those years that he learned to respect the art involved in woodworking, which grew to other fields where the maker hones his craft by hand. It stands to reason that growing up surrounded in fruit orchards in Washington would give him a curiosity in agriculture, as well. But as Michael says, “it wasn’t until moving to Sonoma County with its world-class vineyards where I found my calling in winemaking.” The vineyard, with its varying soil compositions and aspects of Mother Nature, were his workshop. After building one of America’s cult Pinot Noir programs with Dan Kosta, famously known to collectors and straight-up Super Fans as the inimitable Kosta Browne, and realizing the dream of crafting world-class wine from treasured sites, their inspiration became a global passion for Pinot and Chard enthusiasts. After a booming, successful career brought about in a very short time, as any creator might be inspired to do, Michael heeded his appetite’s call for refining his passion, which became his brand-new desire. Selling the celebrated Kosta Browne brand allowed Michael to fulfill his vision of owning his very own winery in the place he loves - the Russian River Valley - and relishing the opportunity to start from scratch on an enthusiastic level. He soon launched his own brand under his family label, releasing his first wine to market only a few years ago called CIRQ: the name paying tribute to another specialty craft that harkens back to when Michael was a trapeze artist in his town’s circus. ACME, in turn, offered custom 4pks to our Pinot buyers and the buzz started all over again for Michael Browne. While CIRQ is the luxury, higher-end version from his portfolio, essentially bringing pleasure to Pinot Noir lovers who seek to find an elegant, high energy, age-worthy style, another layer was created and stands before us TODAY! Staying true to his simple quest to honor the land on which his bounty inhabits and from which it is harvested: “The Garden of Eden...where everything grows well”, proclaims Michael, we are thankful that he came to US with his next BIG THING! CHEV - Michael Browne’s companion label that gives a nod toward the bygone days during the industrial age. His goal is to “craft the finest wines that invite you to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures.” Embodying Michael’s unparalleled style, expect enticing and approachable, detailed yet complex.

FROM CHEV:

Fermentation: 7% concrete egg | 15% concrete amphora | 41% new French oak | 24% once filled French oak | 13% several times used French oak

Time in Barrel: 15 months| 41% new French oak |24% once used French oak | 13% several times used French oak |22% concrete vessel

Clones: Hudson Wente, Spring Mountain, Hyde Wente

TASTING NOTES:
Nose: Intoxicating aromas of fresh apricot, delicate white peach, and tropical lychee layered with soft white floral notes.

Mouth: Decadent flavors of juicy Asian pear, peach cobbler, and lemon curd. Savory and mouth-watering with a vibrant minerality and opulent texture that coat the palate with an attractive weight with a noticeable and elegant tannin structure.