Product Description
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Lange Twins, Merrill, Single Vineyard, Chardonnay, 2023, Clarksburg AVA, Lodi, California, America
Producer Profile
Lange Twins is a family-owned and farm-first winery in the Lodi appellation of California, committed to cultivating a lasting impact.
Behind a glass of Lange Twins wine is a legacy of responsible land stewardship and forward-thinking sustainable winegrowing practices ensuring the unique estate vineyard blocks they’ve farmed for generations are preserved for the future.
The Lange family started in California on the cusp of the gold rush just as this fertile western region became a state. With a German ancestry, the twins’ great grandparents emigrated to Lodi in 1870. Their initial farming venture was non-irrigated watermelons and wheat. After years of demanding work, a vineyard was purchased in the early 1900’s – property that is tilled by the family today.
Passing down agrarian talents from father-to-son, landed twins Randy and Brad Lange the chance to carve out a modern business of not only planting, cultivating, and nurturing the vines, but making the leap to bottle their hard work as premium wines.
The twins’ vision, confidence, and determination grew a profitable business in the Lodi and Clarksburg appellations from a small family property to more significant holdings, including a state-of-the-art winery. All of which gives the family the opportunity to manage the business with a 360-degree approach.
The generational shift continues as their children, now talented adults, have stepped forward with the fifth generation of Langes making a calculated lifelong commitment to the family. Each member of the fifth gen has carved out their role in either the viticulture or winery team by adding their unique spin and leadership to the future of agriculture, not only locally, but also holding state and national positions.
Viticulture
The Single Vineyard wines reflect the uniqueness of each vineyard and the singular expression of its characteristics: the land, the climate, the rootstock, and the farmer’s touch.
GROWER NOTES
The 2023 vintage was a reminder of the grit required to be a wine grape grower. The season commenced with record breaking rainfall from a system of ‘atmospheric rivers’ that put pressure on the nearby river and slough systems. The vines were able to stretch out in the soil and regain their strength from previous drought years. The Lange Twins teams carefully managed each vineyard to tamp down threats that were the result of a wet start and their efforts were recognized with the exceptional quality of this vintage. Summer came in softly, with long days and cooler temperatures. Harvest started in earnest in early September and finished nearly two months later on November 13th. The Lange family are proud to bring you the 2023 vintage, which jumps out of the glass with superb fruit quality that showcases the soul of every team involved in the making of these wines.
CLARKSBURG AVA
Located on the Sacramento River in the heart of the Delta, the Clarksburg AVA has a profound maritime influence. With land at or below sea level, the fertile soil attracts and holds nutrients and water which calls for constant monitoring.
Certified Lodi Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing. Bordering the Snodgrass Slough in the California Delta, Merrill Vineyard is located in the Clarksburg Appellation. The 81.09 acres sits on Mucky Clay and Clay soil that retains water so we keep a close eye on irrigation to ensure a healthy, balanced vine.
Winemaking
Aged 12 months in French and American oak, the 2023 Chardonnay from Merrill Vineyard balances fresh acidity with a smooth, layered texture.
Tasting Note
Aromas of orchard fruit lead into soft tropical notes of pineapple and banana peel. On the palate, these flavours integrate with subtle caramel and vanilla tones, offering depth without overwhelming. A silky tannin presence and vibrant acidity carry through to a long, elegant finish.
Goes well with
The wine’s buttery texture and subtle oak profile balance perfectly with meals like pan-seared scallops, lobster with drawn butter, or roast chicken in a herb cream sauce.
Cellaring
3 – 5 years with careful cellaring.
Features
Varieties: Chardonnay 100%
Colour: White
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Natural Cork
Style: Still
Case Size: 6 x 75cl
Country: America
Region: Clarksburg AVA, California
Vintage: 2023
