The Migration label first appeared in 2001 as the second label of Goldeneye, both under the Duckhorn masthead, first focusing on Pinot Noir and later adding Chardonnay. Like Paraduxx to Duckhorn, it is no longer a second label, but a winery unto itself. In 2008 Migration, and by extension, Duckhorn, produced its first Chardonnay. In 2009 they produced their first Chardonnay from the legendary Charles Heintz Vineyard. The Charles Heintz Vineyard is located just outside of the town of Occidental where Charlie’s family has farmed the land for over 100 years. Two ridges in, and only about 8 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard is situated in the Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA. Heintz has become one of the most famous Chardonnay sites in California, with notable producers including Ceritas, DuMol, Freeman, Flowers, L'Angevin, Kosta Browne, Littorai, Migration/Duckhorn, Moone-Tsai, Pierson Meyer, and Williams Selyem. With its classic Goldridge sandy loam soils, and located just above the fog line, the vineyard receives abundant sunshine and cool ocean breezes. Super mellow Chardonnay, with candied orchard fruit, honeysuckle, wet stone, and some secondary hazelnut, with just a flutter of mushroom in the background. — 8 years ago
I like Goldridge better than Altamont but still great bottle- — 9 years ago
2008 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Bella Vigna Vineyard
Winemaker's Vineyard
Notes: Steeply sloped (think black diamond for all you folks who snow ski), southeasterly facing hillside. Goldridge loam soils. Two-thirds 777 and a third Swan clone. Ton and a half to the acre. Harvested on October 3rd.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes: 100% French Oak, 40% new wood. Punch downs only. Indigenous yeast primary fermentation and natural completion of ML. Unfined, unfiltered. Lighter shade of ruby in color. Big, floral nose of rose petal, dark red fruits, sassafras tea, and soy. Secondary notes of pencil shavings, vanilla, and a touch of bacon fat. Full-bodied, rich flavors of baked berry pie, pomegranate, and baker's chocolate. Finishes super long with flavors of ripe cranberry and bacon fat. 14.5% alcohol. 330 cases produced. — 13 years ago
Stefan Dolhain
2014 vintage. Biodynamically farmed Maboroshi vineyard in Sebastopol Hills, the Southern part of the Russian River Valley AVA. Goldridge soils. Beautiful nose with red berries, griottes, violets, subtle spices and a hint of strawberry jam. Elegant and energetic in the mouth with deliciously pure red fruit, fresh acidity, velvety tannin and good depth. Perfectly integrated oak. Terrific value. — 7 years ago