Nose

At first glance, the 2006 Napa Valley Chardonnay seems quite austere with notes of white pepper and fresh lemon.

Palate

Pineapple compote and pound cake flavors show this wine to be much more dense and layered than originally thought. Pretty, light flavors of cantaloupe and kiwi fruit enhance the acidity of the finish

Growing Conditions

Vineyards: Pahlmeyer Estate Vineyard, Wayfarer Vineyard, Berlenbach Vineyard, Atlas Peak Vineyard, Poplar Vineyard

Bottling

It was not fined or sterile filtered; bottled on Aug. 28, 2007

Winemaking

The grapes were hand-sorted and gently whole-cluster pressed. After overnight settling, the juice was racked to barrels for 100% native yeast fermentation followed by malolactic fermentation.

Aging

The wine was aged in 90% new French oak for eleven months on the lees, which were stirred weekly.