{"title":"Folie A Deux","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"folie-a-deux-russian-river-valley-chardonnay","title":"Folie a Deux Russian River Valley Chardonnay","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFolie à Deux Russian River Valley Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e is a barrel-aged Sonoma County Chardonnay at 14.2% ABV in a 750ml bottle, sourced from the acclaimed Russian River Valley appellation. This expression earned 92 points from \u003cem\u003eTasting Panel\u003c\/em\u003e magazine (October 2020, 2018 vintage) and a Gold medal at the TEXSOM International Wine Awards for its 2017 vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.2%  |  Origin: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California  |  Barrel-Aged Chardonnay  |  Producer: Folie à Deux\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFolie à Deux draws Chardonnay fruit from vineyards across Russian River Valley and portions of Alexander Valley in Sonoma County. What distinguishes this wine from many California Chardonnays is a tri-oak barrel fermentation program using French, American, and Hungarian oak — a relatively uncommon approach that layers complexity beyond what a single-origin cooperage can achieve. The wine undergoes approximately 50% malolactic fermentation to balance richness with acidity, then ages in barrel for roughly six to seven months depending on the vintage (recent vintages have used up to 46% new French oak). The result is a wine that walks the line between crisp, fruit-forward California Chardonnay and a richer, oak-influenced style without tipping into heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lemon sherbet and lime zest open the nose, followed by spiced poached pear and a gentle waft of vanilla toast. Orange blossom and a faint nutmeg warmth emerge as the wine opens in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is bright and citrus-driven, with ripe pear, Fuji apple, and pineapple landing across the mid-palate. A creamy, medium-bodied texture builds from the partial malolactic fermentation, while baking spices, lemon custard, and apricot add depth as it moves toward the peak. Vibrant acidity keeps the fruit and oak elements in check throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with a clean, biscuit-like quality and lingering mandarin and cantaloupe notes. A subtle buttered-toast character from the oak program rounds out the close without dominating.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Folie à Deux Chardonnay\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe lightly chilled — around 50–55°F — to let the oak and fruit aromatics express fully without muting the acidity. This Chardonnay is well-suited to sipping on its own, but its balanced structure makes it versatile in wine-based cocktails. A \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e highlights the citrus and pear notes with simple effervescence. A \u003cstrong\u003eChardonnay Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e built with stone fruit and a splash of elderflower liqueur complements the wine's apricot and pineapple character. A \u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75 variation\u003c\/strong\u003e using this wine in place of Champagne adds a richer, creamier dimension to the classic template.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a weekend dinner party with grilled seafood or roasted poultry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a California wine enthusiast exploring Sonoma County appellations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a holiday cheese board alongside soft, creamy selections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to barrel-aged Chardonnay without overwhelming oak influence\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Folie à Deux Chardonnay taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers ripe pear, apple, and pineapple flavors anchored by lemon custard and baking spice, with a creamy mid-palate texture balanced by bright, citrus-driven acidity. Vanilla and toasted oak accents from the tri-oak barrel program add depth without overpowering the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Folie à Deux Chardonnay compare to Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Russian River Valley Chardonnays, but Folie à Deux ferments in a blend of French, American, and Hungarian oak, which introduces a broader spice and toast spectrum than Sonoma-Cutrer's predominantly French oak program. Folie à Deux also uses roughly 50% malolactic fermentation, giving it a balanced richness rather than a fully creamy or fully crisp profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Folie à Deux Chardonnay good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its balanced acidity and moderate oak influence make it a comfortable stand-alone pour, especially when served lightly chilled around 50–55°F. The 14.2% ABV provides body without excessive heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Folie à Deux Chardonnay made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Folie à Deux using Chardonnay grapes sourced primarily from the Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley within Sonoma County, California. Russian River Valley is recognized as one of California's top cool-climate Chardonnay appellations, shaped by Pacific fog influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Folie à Deux Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted or grilled chicken with herbs complements the wine's baking spice and toasty oak notes. Pan-seared halibut or scallops echo its creamy texture. Triple-cream brie or Gruyère mirror the buttery mid-palate. Lobster risotto matches the wine's richness and citrus acidity. Apple or pear tart with a pastry crust bridges the fruit and biscuit character on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Folie à Deux Chardonnay come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Folie à Deux Chardonnay worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a mid-range Sonoma County Chardonnay, and the 92-point score from \u003cem\u003eTasting Panel\u003c\/em\u003e and Gold at TEXSOM suggest it punches above its price tier. The tri-oak fermentation program delivers complexity typically found in more expensive single-vineyard bottlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Folie à Deux Chardonnay?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe tri-oak barrel program — fermenting in French, American, and Hungarian oak — is the defining feature here, and it is not a gimmick. Each cooperage contributes a different layer: French oak adds structure and subtle spice, American oak lends vanilla sweetness, and Hungarian oak brings a toasty, slightly honeyed quality. The 92-point score from \u003cem\u003eTasting Panel\u003c\/em\u003e and a Double Gold at the China Wine \u0026amp; Spirits Awards reinforce that this blending approach translates into the glass. For drinkers who want a Russian River Valley Chardonnay with genuine complexity but without the heavy-handed butterscotch and oak bomb profile that has defined the category for decades, this bottling delivers a measured, food-friendly alternative.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Folie A Deux","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837581881513,"sku":"28473","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Folie_a_Deux_Russian_River_Valley_Chardonnay__72393.jpg?v=1730487169"},{"product_id":"folie-a-deux-pinot-noir","title":"Folie A Deux Pinot Noir","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFolie à Deux Pinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, California, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2019 vintage earned 93 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e, and earlier vintages have collected Gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and a 92-point rating from \u003cem\u003eDecanter\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Sonoma Coast AVA, California  |  Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir  |  Producer: Folie à Deux Winery\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFolie à Deux Winery — whose name translates from French as \"a madness shared by two\" — sources its Pinot Noir fruit from vineyards planted above the fog line on the ridges of the Sonoma Coast AVA. These elevated sites capture consistent sun exposure for even ripening, while overnight temperature drops preserve the natural acidity that gives the wine its backbone. After harvest, the grapes are destemmed and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks before aging for nine months in primarily French oak barrels, 32% of which are new. This balance of neutral and new oak contributes texture and spice without overwhelming the varietal character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with sweet dried fruit and dark plum, layered with roasted coffee and soft leather. Underneath, earthy undertones of undergrowth and black tea add dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is rich and fruit-forward, delivering ripe strawberry, cherry, and rhubarb across a medium-bodied, silky palate. At mid-palate, flavors of mocha, cedar, and salted minerality emerge alongside savory notes of black olive and Italian herbs. Succulent tannins provide structure without astringency, and judicious acidity keeps the fruit lifted.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is moderate to long, with lingering toffee, tobacco leaf, and coffee bean. A subtle truffle quality rounds out the final impression, leaving earthy depth behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Folie à Deux Pinot\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe slightly below room temperature — around 60–65°F — in a large-bowled Burgundy glass to let the aromatics open fully. This wine is expressive enough to stand on its own but versatile in lighter cocktail and spritz applications. A \u003cstrong\u003ePinot Noir Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e with dark stone fruit and cinnamon works well given the wine's plum and spice profile. A \u003cstrong\u003eNew York Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from the wine's natural acidity and berry character when floated over bourbon. For warm-weather drinking, a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) plays off the cherry cola notes already present in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners where you want Sonoma Coast quality without opening a reserve bottle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine lover who appreciates California Pinot Noir with critical acclaim\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a blind tasting comparing Sonoma Coast Pinots at different price tiers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing-focused dinner parties featuring roasted poultry, mushroom dishes, or charcuterie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Folie à Deux Pinot Noir taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with ripe strawberry, dark plum, and cherry, supported by mocha, cedar, and savory herbs on a silky, medium-bodied palate. The finish layers toffee, tobacco, and coffee bean with an earthy truffle quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Folie à Deux Pinot Noir compare to Meiomi Pinot Noir?\u003c\/strong\u003e Meiomi blends fruit from multiple California appellations (Monterey, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara) and tends toward a richer, sweeter profile, while Folie à Deux draws exclusively from the Sonoma Coast AVA and shows more acidity, earthiness, and savory complexity. Folie à Deux also carries a higher \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e score of 93 points for its 2019 vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Folie à Deux Pinot Noir good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its balanced acidity, silky tannins, and layered aromatics make it a rewarding glass on its own, especially when served at 60–65°F in a proper Burgundy glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Folie à Deux Pinot Noir made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Folie à Deux Winery using grapes sourced from the Sonoma Coast AVA in Northern California, specifically from elevated vineyard sites above the fog line that benefit from cool maritime influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Folie à Deux Pinot Noir?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted duck breast complements the wine's dark fruit and earthy depth. Wild mushroom risotto mirrors its truffle and undergrowth character. Grilled salmon works with the acidity and red berry notes. Aged Gruyère picks up on the toasty oak and savory herbs. Charcuterie boards with cured meats and cornichons match the wine's salted minerality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Folie à Deux Pinot Noir come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Folie à Deux Pinot Noir worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a mid-range Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, and the combination of 93 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e, Gold medals from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and nine months of French oak aging represents strong value relative to comparable single-appellation California Pinots.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Folie à Deux Pinot Noir?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from the crowded California Pinot Noir field is its focused Sonoma Coast sourcing from high-elevation vineyard sites, where the interplay of sun exposure and cool maritime air produces fruit with genuine tension between ripeness and acidity. A 93-point score from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e and repeat Gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition confirm that the quality is consistent across vintages, not a one-off result. The nine-month aging program in predominantly French oak — with a restrained 32% new wood — adds spice and texture without burying the Pinot Noir varietal character. For drinkers seeking a Sonoma Coast Pinot that balances approachability with real complexity, this bottle delivers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Folie A Deux","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837703876777,"sku":"30364","price":15.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Folie-A-Deux-Pinot-Noir__28482.jpg?v=1730491285"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/folie-a-deux.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}