2009 CHARDONNAY - WINE NOTES

•GRAPE SOURCING•

Our winemaker selected grapes from vineyards across California’s best cool climate growing regions.  These regions range from the California’s North Coast’s to the Delta Region of the Sacramento River.  With warm, sunny days moderated by cooling influences, conditions in these areas create an ideal climate for growing Chardonnay.  Grapes harvested from a variety of vineyards and areas each provide unique flavor components that together create a balanced, complex and harmonious wine.

Grape Sourcing: 100% California

•VINTAGE•

2009 was a cool, moderate vintage.  The grapes grew quickly and the vines produced a relatively large crop, with some thinning done to ensure optimum flavor concentration.  The mostly cool growing season ensured full development of the Chardonnay grapes, with a heat spell in early September bringing the grapes to full ripeness.  By mid-September, the Chardonnay harvest was complete, with the grapes escaping rains that started in mid-October and continued on-and-off for the remainder of harvest.  Our 2009 Chardonnay is every bit as luscious and approachable as the 2008 vintage, but with additional crispness and slightly riper, more tropical notes.

Technical Information: 0.5 TA, 3.59 pH, 13.5% alc by vol 

•WINEMAKING•

Grapes for this wine were harvested during cooler night and morning hours to highlight the crisp citrus flavors balancing the fruit flavors in our wine.  After crushing, the must was fermented for up to twelve days at cool temperatures, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, in stainless steel tank.  A portion of the blend went through malolactic fermentation, adding a silkiness and body to the wine.  A splash of White Riesling and Orange Muscat add floral notes and richness to the blend, while Sauvignon Blanc enhances the crisp citrus flavors.

Varietal Blend: 97% Chardonnay, 2%White Riesling, 1% Orange Muscat 

•WINEMAKER'S NOTES•

Ripe pineapple, golden apple and Anjou pear flavors are balanced by citrus notes and a smooth, creamy finish.  The wine would be a heavenly match with smoked chicken salad with apples and walnuts, four-cheese pizza, calamari fritti, or Mu Shu pork.