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.