DELOACH: Reflection of a 21st Century Winery | Preiser Key

The hallmark of all Boisset properties is the confluence of fine wine, education, and fun. To that end, General Manager Lisa Heisinger oversees a fine group of wine educators who have been well trained to not simply pour a sample or two of wine, but also to discuss origins, soils, winemaking procedures, and food pairings. One room at the winery, for example, is devoted solely to vineyard locations and compositions, factors Jean-Charles (raised in Burgundy and thus immersed in both European and American wine culture) correctly believes dictate, in great part, a wine’s later profile.

The Boissset estates can also be recognized by their dedication to biodynamic, organic, and sustainable winemaking, which all promote the health of the land, vines, and, by extension, the wine. In 2004 DeLoach tore out its highly lauded vineyards and replanted with cover crops designed to revitalize the soil. New vines were planted in 2006, and the first vintage grown with biodynamic farming techniques was released in 2010. Worth a look is the property’s garden, for 23 years a horse pasture which now boasts super rich soil. It allows the winery chef to cook with organic, biodynamic, and sustainably farmed ingredients, and serve the fresh produce in the guest house and to winery visitors. Today, the garden is comprised of 61 irrigated, raised beds, and the exterior is surrounded with barrels of herbs, flowers, berries, bulbs and a myriad of roses. Three of the garden beds are dedicated to culinary herbs and edible flowers, as well as plants that attract pollinators (bees & butterflies) to the garden. There is also a bed with plants used to make biodynamic preparations for the garden and vineyards, along with many medicinal herbs. The winery cultivates a small menagerie of sheep and chickens (and who knows what else) that can keep your attention, or that of a child. You are invited to stroll all the grounds and even enjoy a picnic.

Of course, one must not forget the wines or the wine tasting opportunities. The Estate Series of wines, coming from the property itself, are fully compliant with biodynamic standards. The Vineyard Designate Series is comprised of limited production wines from some of the region’s most acclaimed vineyards. The Finest Selection level wines are bottled only in years when the winemaker feels the quality represents “Our Finest Selection” (OFS). These wines are hand-made in small batches using the best fruit and the most exacting techniques. The Russian River Series uses grapes from selected growers in the Russian River Valley, and represents what the winery says is its “heart and soul.” Finally, the California Series wines are made from vineyards throughout California, and, unlike most of the wines in thepreviously described tiers, can be found in wine stores or restaurants nationwide.