Nose
The aromas are driven by classic lemon drop, Meyer lemon and a sweet tangerine character.
Palate
That fruit style follows in the flavors, with the citrus focus carrying through with candied lemon drop balanced by the nice acidity and mineral characters inherent to the region and the clonal selections. Barrel fermentation characters are in the background, adding more complexity to this elegant wine.
Growing Conditions
Intensive farming and low yields are the foundations of our Carneros Chardonnay offering. The two blocks farmed for this wine are on a bench with classic Haire clay loam soils, and on a ridge at a 200-foot elevation. This block is part of an uplifted riverbed, which allows good drainage in the traditional clay based soils of the region. The name Sevens Bench is derived from our historical name for our Carneros Pinot Noir and one of the two clones planted on our blocks: Clone 27 (Mount Eden). The other selection is old Rued clone.
Bottling
Bottled with no fining or filtration.
Aging
16 months in 100% French oak, 35% new.
