Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Franc

Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc

Chardonnay

Pinot Noir

Syrah

Late Harvest Sémillon

‘Billet Doux’

Alexander Valley Late Harvest Sémillon – Sauvignon Blanc

Growing in the gravelly soil of an ancient riverbed in the beautiful Alexander Valley, the old vines benefit from hot afternoons and cool, foggy mornings, favorable for the development of Botrytis (Noble Rot).  Extremely small yields in the Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat vineyards lead to the immensely concentrated fruit. Just as one receives a note from one’s sweetheart, we present this wine as a precious ‘Billet Doux’ or ‘Love Note.’

Winemaker notes:

‘Billet Doux’ boasts beautiful aromatics of lemon curd, sea salt, apricot, white peach, and pineapple with notes of toasted vanilla, blossoms, and pine resin. The flavors are richly textured with orange, apricot and verbena. Finishes with crème brûlée and integrated acidity. Gorgeous.

Luc Morlet

Property Name

‘Billet Doux’

Name Meaning

Love Note 

Typical composition

Sémillon (65%) Sauvignon Blanc (31%) Muscat à Petits Grains (4%)

Type of wine

Late harvest white wine

Appellation

Alexander Valley

Vineyard singularity

25 to 60-year-old vines; Loamy and gravelly soils from an ancient riverbed; one cluster per shoot ‘de rigueur’ 

Typical harvest date

November

Picking

Night pick; manual; small lugs; refrigerated truck

Fermentation

In barrel through native yeast

Upbringing

16-18 months in French Oak barrels from selected artisan Coopers

Bottling

Unfined, filtered to prevent Malolactic

Ideal cellaring

4 to 6 years after harvest date

Arc of aging

50 years

Serving

43-45°F (6-7°C); Decant 2 hours prior to serving