Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1061132
{ SOMMjournal.com } 79 Standing on a knoll surrounded by native flora, fruit trees, beehives, and boxes sheltering baby barn owls, Jeff Colton of Boisset describes the principles of Biodynamic farming and the importance of biodiversity on the DeLoach estate. H arvest is the most thrilling time of year to visit any winery: There's a palpable excitement in the air as clusters of plump fruit cover sorting tables and forklifts zip by with barrels and bins as if engaged in a game of Tetris. All the while, fermentations bubble, filling the space with an ether of sweet, crushed grapes. Fast-forward a few years, and there's nothing quite like tasting a wine you had a hand—or foot—in making. To help foster these experi - ences, The SOMM Journal and DeLoach Vine- yards hosted an esteemed group of somme- liers and buyers from across the country for the third annual Harvest Somm Camp. Located in the Russian River Valley and a member of the Boisset Collection portfolio, DeLoach Vineyards works with a remarkable number of growers throughout Sonoma and Marin counties to produce wines from me - ticulously farmed vineyards, each with a distinct climate and soil profile. Reflecting proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset's contagious enthusiasm for education, the two-day tour was chock-full of comparative tastings, vineyard tours, on-the-job winemaking activities, elaborate feasts, and of course, a plethora of releases to taste. day 1 The first wine to fill our glasses was the Le Royal, a 2015 Blanc de Noir that tickled the nose with aromas of fresh pastry and lemon zest, as we congregated around the "Ear th & Sky" bronze statue in one of DeLoach's many gardens. Jeff Colton of Boisset explained that the sculpture symbolizes the company's deep-rooted commitment to the land while reaching for the stars—a guiding principle that would become increasingly evident in the hours to come. The DeLoach family was one of the first pioneers in the Russian River Valley, where they focused on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zin - fandel. In 2003, the Boissets purchased the estate and implemented the sustainable farming techniques seen here today. Like many of its vine- yards, DeLoach is certified Biodynamic and organic, and while the health of the land and its surrounding environment is central to the company's philosophy, the fundamental intent is to produce a better glass of wine. "The less we have to do in the winery to allow the grapes to speak for themselves, the better," Colton explained. Ken Hoernlein, Vice President of Sales for Boisset Collection, next set out to discuss "the birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay" begin - ning with a tour of Burgundy. The Boisset Collection, which now owns 25 properties across California and Burgundy, originated in 1961 when Jean-Claude and Claudine Boisset purchased the Les Evocelles vineyard in Gevrey-Chambertin. Hoernlein explained that when Jean-Charles Boisset joined the business, the négociant winery produced about 300,000 cases annu - ally. When Boisset posed a question to his father on why they "would have [their] name on something [they] wouldn't necessarily drink," the decision was made to make domaine-quality wines as a négociant from that point on. "To do that, you had to make a very serious commitment