Lingering morning fog from the Russian River Valley is common and helps retain excellent acidity at harvest time. Calcaire best exemplifies the lush, tropical fruit flavors often associated with Alexander Valley Chardonnay. The wine is fermented in French oak barrels and a portion undergoes malolactic fermentation. The wine is also aged on the lees for varying lengths of time depending on the vintage. The Flintwood vineyards consist of multiple blocks located in Dry Creek Valley.
Soils are of volcanic origin and are rather well-drained.
The separate micro-climates range from moderately warm to cool. The vineyard locations are in the late afternoon shadows early and late in the growing season. They are also subject to the cooling winds and morning fog influence of the Russian River Valley. While daytime temperatures are similar to those in Alexander Valley, Dry Creek usually reaches its maximum later in the day, and the peak high does not last as long. The fruit is normally slow to ripen, but healthy vines and proper canopy management help maintain the acidity and balance of maturity with fruit freshness.