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Wine Details
Price:
$18.00 per bottle
Description:
Our 2004 estate Chardonnay crop was the smallest since the vines reached maturity in the early 1990’s, at only 1.7 tons per acre. Hence this is the smallest amount of Chardonnay we’ve ever bottled, a mere 458 cases. Harvest was quite early, from August 27th to Sept. 3rd. All grapes were harvested early in the morning, whole cluster pressed while still cold, then fermented in 60 gallon French oak barrels. Following primary fermentation, the wine completed malolactic, or secondary fermentation, and was aged sur-lie for seven months with regular batonage.
Our goal has always been to produce wines with both intensity and great balance, to maximize the inherent quality of the grapes. The most important aspects of this quest are growing or purchasing great grapes, paying attention to detail, and keeping an open mind. Our cardinal rule in winemaking is that there are no rules, no formulas, no “right” way. Our knowledge base grows with each vintage, but the grapes vary with each vintage and need to be treated differently to produce the best wine possible.
Fully mature grapes (six different clonal selections), 100% barrel fermentation, complete malo-lactic fermentation, and 7 months sur-lie aging have combined to produce a rich, intensely flavored wine with a delightful, creamy texture. The aromas are of green apple, citrus, honey and crème brulée. The most appealing feature of this 2004 Chardonnay is its texture, creamy and rich yet light and clean at the same time
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Varietal Definition
Chardonnay:
Chardonnay is by far the most widely planted grape crop in California and dominates California’s cooler, coastal, quality wine regions. The natural varietal ‘taste and smell’ of Chardonnay is surprisingly unfamiliar to many wine drinkers, as its true character is often guised with dominating winemaking signatures. Chardonnay’s rather subdued primary fruit characteristics lean toward the crisp fruitiness of apples, pears and lemon, but the variety’s full body is capable of supporting a host of complementary characteristics, such as oak, butter and vanilla. Regardless of what is the appropriate style for Chardonnay, the varietal continues to dominate vineyard plantings in every corner of the world. Close attention to clonal selection has made this broad geographic and climactic range of Chardonnay viable in thoughtful viticultural hands.
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Muscadelle:
Semi-classic grape grown in the Gaillac region of France, about 100 miles southeast of Bordeaux, and used in local white sweet wine blends. Incorrectly called Sauvignon Vert in California. Australian winemakers use it to produce a suberb sweet dessert wine known as "Liqueur Tokay of Australia".
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