Winemaking Notes: After an exceptionally long growing season, October rains slowed this slow-ripening Dijon clone before the grapes had reached optimal ripeness. We risked the imminent threat of inclement weather in hopes of allowing the grapes to reach full maturity. Our patience and courage was rewarded by a
window of sunny weather in the last week of October, which allowed the grapes
to fully ripen. Hand-picked on November 2nd (!), this chardonnay’s extraordinary
hang time contributes to its rich flavors and aromas, and its great overall balance.
Torrential rains battered the hillside vineyard the day after picking, rendering it
virtually impassable……
Aging Notes:
After cold-settling, both indigenous and burgundy yeast strains were employed
during barrel fermentation, followed by malolactic fermentation, also completed in
barrels. The wines were barrel aged sur lies, with frequent batonnage, for a period
of 12-14 months. After completing this extended barrel aging on the lees to
enhance color, complexity, texture and flavor, the finest lots were meticulously
selected, blended, and then bottled 100% unfiltered.
Tasting Notes:
This delicious, golden blonde Chardonnay reflects its hand-crafted
Burgundian vinification, Dijon clone heritage, and its Sonoma Coast single
vineyard terroir. Stylistically and structurally this is the most Burgundian
chardonnay we have produced. On the nose the wine exhibits an array of
fragrant floral, lemon, honey, mint and sweet spice notes. On the palate, focused
meyer lemon, mango, honeydew, vanilla, fig, mineral, and sweet spice notes are
all seamlessly intermingled.
This Chardonnay's beautiful balance and rich flavors
make it smooth and wonderfully drinkable now in its youth, as well as a wine
which will be enjoyable to consume over the coming decade.
Technical Notes:
| Vintage: |
2005 |
| Appellation: |
Sonoma Coast |
| Vineyard: |
Sonoma Stage Vineyard
|
| Bottling Date: |
April 25, 2007 |
| Alcohol: |
13.8%
|