Iron Horse Vineyards

Wedding Cuvée 2017

Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California

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The irresistible Wedding Cuvée has witnessed countless special moments since its inception in 1980, served at engagements, weddings, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day celebrations. Iron Horse’s play on a Blanc de Noirs, this wine features extremely expressive and fruit forward Pinot Noir lots blended with just a touch of steely Chardonnay to add a firm acid backbone. A romantic tinge of pink in the glass hints at the character of the Pinot Noir in this cuvée, and raspberry and nutmeg aromas on the nose are followed by juicy stone fruit, lively blood orange, and red berry flavors that are held seamlessly together with refined and delicate bubbles. Dangerously easy to drink. 

Vineyard

The Iron Horse estate is in the heart of Green Valley’s cool and foggy climate, 13 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The certified sustainable estate features 160 acres under vine, planted exclusively to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir across a patchwork of gentle, rolling hills. Each of the 39 blocks has been planted with site-specific rootstock and clonal selections, enabling Iron Horse to farm, harvest, and vinify each block separately. The predominant soil-type is called “Gold Ridge”, a sandy loam that has excellent drainage and is perfectly, inherently balanced, making it one of the most coveted soil types, especially for growing Pinot Noir.

Winemaking

Grapes are hand harvested in the chilly fog of early morning, and gently pressed as whole clusters yielding base wines of great delicacy. A long, cool ferment at 62° to 65° F retains vibrant fruit esters. Individual lots of Pinot Noir that are extremely expressive and fruit forward are selected to form the core of this wine, then steely Chardonnay is selected to add a firm acid backbone. The dosage for the 2017 Wedding Cuvée is 3 mls Blanc de Noirs Lex, 3 mls Blanc de Blancs LEX, 6 mls 2018 Rued Chardonnay, 4mls 2017 Gold Ridge Pinot Noir and 2 mls SP08. The final blend is 73% Pinot Noir and 27% Chardonnay.

Tasting Note

Raspberry and nutmeg aromas on the nose are followed by juicy stone fruit and lively blood orange, held seamlessly together with very delicate bubbles. Sumptuous and dangerously easy to drink as an aperitif or with food.

Suggested Food Pairing

Pairs well with trout amandine, creamy goat’s milk cheese or bittersweet dark chocolate.

Color

White

Grape Varieties

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Appellation

Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California

Farming

Sustainable

Alcohol

13.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$45

Reviews

"Supple and harmonious"

Wine Spectator - November 3, 2021

"Supple and harmonious, with pretty strawberry, baked apple and nectarine flavors that are laced with yeast roll and spice."  -TF 

"Freshly picked strawberry"

Wine Enthusiast - January 20, 2022

“This beautiful sparkling wine tastes of brioche, freshly picked strawberry and blood orange. It is rich and generous yet balanced on the palate, finishing on refreshing accents of slate and oyster shell.” - VB, 11/2021

#3 Top 100 Wines 2021

More on Iron Horse Wedding Cuvée 2017

The 100 most amazing wines in Sonoma County

November 29, 2021 - The Press Democrat included Iron Horse Vineyards in a story about the best wines produced in Sonoma County. The winery's Wedding Cuvée 2017 and limited release Gratitude 2017 are two…

Trade Materials

Other Wines by this Producer

Classic Vintage Brut

Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California

The flagship of the estate, this wine shows everything the family strives to accomplish. The quality and finesse strike memory bells that say “Champagne,” while the flavors are unmistakably Sonoma County, Russian River, Green Valley and most distinctly Iron Horse. Delightful and complex rising dough, orange marmalade and baked apple aromas lead to an exquisitely balanced palate with flavors of ripe red apple, mandarin orange and hazelnut.  The complexity of flavors and textures are perhaps only overshadowed by the sheer pleasure of enjoyment.

Russian Cuvée

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Russian Cuvée has multiple layers of meaning. Originally named for the historic Reagan-Gorbachev Summit Meetings in 1985, it also refers to the vineyard’s unique location in the Russian River Valley. The Russian Cuvée is the “richest” in the Iron Horse line up, though it is still technically brut-level dry. A perfect toasting wine, served at White House State Dinners for six consecutive Presidential Administrations, it boasts aromas of caramel apple, nutmeg and orange zest, flavors of ripe red apple, lime, brioche and brown sugar on the palate. It is equally comfortable at the end of the meal with dessert as at the start of the meal for a toast.

Ocean Reserve Blanc de Blancs

Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California

Ocean Reserve is a special, limited edition, vintage Blanc de Blancs, created in partnership with National Geographic. Iron Horse dedicated its Blanc de Blancs to National Geographic’s Ocean Initiative as a nod to the Pacific Ocean, which is the engine behind the fog and cool, coastal influence in the Green Valley; $4 per bottle sold goes to establishing marine protected areas and supporting sustainable fishing practices around the globe. The Ocean Reserve’s racy lime and tangerine notes, saline acidity, and beautiful creamy finish, conjures images of the ocean itself and pairs flawlessly with all manner of seafood.

Chardonnay

Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California

This pure Chardonnay is a natural beauty that showcases the extraordinary qualities of the Green Valley area. It has a crackling brightness, with stone and citrus fruits on the nose joined by an appealing minerality and spice that drive a long finish. The best of both worlds, this bottling combines the tension between concentrated fruit and the raciness of the best Chablis, with a kiss of California sunshine providing fruit and supple texture: it is impossible to put down.

Audrey Chardonnay

Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California

They say ingredient x in a wine is the people behind it – a saying that certainly holds true for this delicious first release of Audrey Chardonnay. It mirrors the beauty and grace of Iron Horse Co-Founder Audrey Sterling. Multi-faceted, brilliant, and memorable. This is a tribute wine, made with love and admiration.

Gold Ridge Pinot Noir

Green Valley, Russian River Valley, California

The Gold Ridge is three clones of Pinot Noir selected from four excellent sites on the estate to create this complex and elegant blend. The unifying factor is our highly prized Gold Ridge soil, among the most coveted, especially for Pinot Noir.