Barbara Banke and Peggy Furth are two of the California Wine industry’s most influential figures.

As Peggy and her husband Fred founded and grew Chalk Hill Estates & Vineyards, Barbara and her late husband, Jess Jackson, developed the now iconic brand that is Jackson Family Wines. Drawn together by their love for horses and wine, the two female titans have been friends for decades.

The culmination of that friendship can be seen in this week’s exclusive Mayacama email offer, WindRacer; a collaborative bottling that exemplifies Barbara and Peggy’s shared dedication to producing high-quality, single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the rugged North Coast vineyards of Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.

Like thoroughbred racehorses, WindRacer wines show a distinct purity that comes from both variety and place. Winemaker Nikki Weerts focuses exclusively on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, sourced from select blocks within ideally positioned vineyards.

From a viticultural standpoint, emphasis here is on high elevation sites, coastal winds, and rocky, nutrient-poor soils, all of which make for challenging growing conditions. These difficult environments result in low yields, small berries, and intense, concentrated flavors in the fruit, ultimately creating a complex profile in the wines.

As these wines are produced in minuscule amounts and have yet to be released onto the retail market, I am honored to be able to give you exclusive access to two of the small-lot WindRacer bottlings.

2018 Saralee’s Vineyard Chardonnay

The famous Saralee’s Vineyard has a rich history and reputation for producing stunning Burgundian varietals. Located in the Russian River Valley, it sits just north of the Petaluma Gap, where wind and fog whip through daily from the Pacific Ocean, creating cool growing conditions. Designated as a heritage vineyard, grapes have been grown on the property since the 1860s. When Richard and Saralee Kunde purchased the land in 1988, they planted eight varieties over 68 acres. These vines, which are now over thirty years old, are thick and gnarled with roots that reach down deep in the ground for nutrients and water. This allows the property to be dry-farmed, and the result is rich, complex flavors and a vivid expression of terroir. Yields are very low, producing only a couple of tons per acre (on a good year), but from this small amount, exceptional wines are produced.

Sourced from two adjacent blocks within this famed vineyard, the 2018 WindRacer Saralee’s Chardonnay shows classic aromas of golden apple and ripe pear. Toasted oak frames the fruit as the flavors extend through a creamy, round palate, lifted with hints of lemon curd across the long, lingering finish. 265 cases produced.

2018 Sealift Vineyard Pinot Noir

Aptly named, Sealift Vineyard was created from ancient marine terraces turned up from the bottom of the ocean during tectonic movements millions of years ago. These sandy loam soils combined with cool, coastal breezes create ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir. Just five miles from the ocean, this remote vineyard sits in the “true” Sonoma Coast, where a small enclave of dramatic vineyards struggle against the climatic forces of the Pacific Ocean to create stunning Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.

Rich and complex, the 2018 WindRacer Sealift Pinot Noir opens with intense aromas of blackberry and ripe raspberry with hints of clove, cocoa and herbs. A powerful expression of raspberry, sage and cardamom with a deep intensity on the palate and a long, complex finish. 237 cases produced.

Once more, these wines are not yet available for purchase on the retail or DTC market and so you are getting the most exclusive access possible.

As always, please feel free to let me know if you have any questions regarding the wines.

Thank you for your support!

Cheers!

Carey Vanderborg - Wine Director

2018 Saralee's Vineyard Chardonnay | $65

2018 Sealift Vineyard Pinot Noir | $75