2008 Chardonnay
Persistent on the palate, this wine gracefully balances the toast of its well-integrated oak with bright fresh fruit flavors for a round, lingering finish that is typical of the Carneros terroir.
Aroma:
This vivid and crisp Chardonnay draws orchard aromas of fresh Bosc pears and Gala apples against a backdrop of fleshy stone fruits and pineapple. A stripe of exotic spices, including notes of nutmeg and cinnamon, gives way to subtle aromas of panna cotta and warm hazelnuts.
Varietal Composition:
100% Chardonnay
Appellation:
napa Valley
Grape Sourcing:
58% Carneros (Napa Valley), 29% East Napa, 10% select Sonoma County vineyards, 3% other Napa Valley vineyards
Winemaker Notes:
Harvested in the cool early morning hours, the Chardonnay grapes were gently pressed to retain maximum fruitiness and delicacy. Over two-thirds of the juice (69%) was barrel-fermented in 13% new French oak, with the remainder fermented in stainless steel. Partial malolactic fermentation accounts for this wine’s extraordinary balance of creamy mouthfeel and crisp acidity, while regular bâtonnage (hand-stirring) over the course of sur lie aging contributes to flavor integration. Finally, the Chardonnay was barrel-aged for nine months before bottling in November of 2009.