Vineyard Notes: This
wine is a combination of three separate blocks, "Vella" "Southern
Sonoma" and "Bates" of Sangiacomo Vineyard, Carneros. The blending of
these clones creates multiple layers for a more diverse flavor profile.
The 2008 vintage was cooler at the beginning than previous years, which
allowed a longer ripening period and therefore a more prolonged flavor
development curve.
Winemaking Notes: The
grapes were harvested in the early morning where the cool fog kept the
grapes fresh prior to their delivery to the winery. The grapes were
whole bunch pressed and kept overnight in a cool tank to allow the
solids to settle. The next morning the juice was inoculated and moved
to barrel (25% new) for the primary fermentation. Every barrel began
malo-lactic fermentation naturally. Each barrel was monitored for
flavor profile changes throughout the malolactic and stopped at the
perfect point resulting in approximately 18% of the malic converting to
lactic acid.
Tasting Notes: This
chardonnay has an immediate aroma of white peaches, honeysuckle and
jasmine spice. This is complimented by moderate amounts of fig and
soapstone minerality. The medium richness on the palate is surrounded
with flavors of cream custard and honeydew melon, while the viscosity
is balanced well with the fresh malic acid that comes through on the
finish. This Chardonnay is fresh and vibrant now but will develop
additional complexity over the next 6 to 7 years (2010-2016).
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