Most people might not know that the Migration line was created back in 2001 by Duckhorn, and it wasn’t until 2008 that Migration made Chardonnay. A few years ago I tried the Migration lineup and I was struck by the lack of balance in some of the wines. Chardonnays were too cloying, using too much oak and they really didn’t show that well. Such is not the case with the new wines by Migration, that are really outstanding across the board.
Formerly with Decoy, another Duckhorn-owned winery, Dana Epperson has been head winemaker at Migration since 2017. Her new release wines were really good, showing excellent range and texture. Sourced from their estate vineyard in the Russian River Valley, the 2018 Migration ‘Running Creek Vineyard’ Chardonnay (WWB, 92) shows wonderful length and viscosity. Even better is the 2018 Migration ‘Charles Heintz VIneyard’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) which has incredible salinity and balance with great richness. Learn more about these excellent new wines at https://www.migrationwines.com Here are the great new wines by Migration.
NV Migration Rose Sparkling Wine- The NV Migration Rose Sparkling Wine is their soiree into making bubbles. Pretty rose petals aromas meld with the watermelon and red cherry candy aromatics that take shape in the glass. The soft, delicate mousse entices, as lighter red fruits dance with shades of melon and wet stone on the palate. This is serious stuff that will be best enjoyed in its youth. Drink 2020-2025- 90
2018 Migration ‘Bien Nacido Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Sourced from this acclaimed property first planted in 1973, the 2018 2018 Migration ‘Bien Nacido Vineyard’ Chardonnay shows off pineapple and shades of nutmeg infused Challah bread on the nose. The palate is fresh with a polished texture and silky elegance. Bright lemon zest, sourdough bread and vanilla cream flavors all combine on the palate.This is delightful now and will provide drinking enjoyment for the next seven to ten years. Drink 2020-2027- 91
2018 Migration ‘Dierberg Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Located in the Santa Maria Valley, the Dierberg is set on sandy soils and has a great marine influence from the Pacific Ocean. On the nose this shows salted praline and Meyer lemon zest tones that mingle with shades of butterscotch on this impressive nose. The palate is rich and layered with wonderful Meyer lemon cream and tropical fruit flavors. The length and weight of the wine is fantastic. Drink 2020-2027- 92
2018 Migration ‘Running Creek Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Located in the Russian River Valley, the ‘Running Creek Vineyard’ is a cooler site owned by Duckhorn. Butterscotch and exotic spices combine with ripe mango and pineapple on this expressive nose. The palate has beautiful length and balance with a good sense of viscosity. Fantastic to enjoy now, the wine will cellar well over the next decade, picking up tertiary tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2027- 92
2018 Migration ‘Charles Heintz Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The ‘Charles Heintz Vnieyard’ is located in the Green Valley which is slightly inland from the Pacific Ocean, set at 900 feet. Ripe bananas foster and pineapple tones combine with nutmeg infused Challah bread on the expansive nose. The palate has a silky mouthfeel that makes it nearly impossible to resist. At the crescendo lies the gorgeous, near minute-long finish. This is truly a gorgeous showing by Migration. Drink 2020-2030- 93