Nose
Tropical fruit and nutmeg spice on the nose.
Palate
Lime zest and honeysuckle lead to notes of vanilla and fondant. The core is highlighted by a mouth watering viscosity balanced with a tightening acidity and flavors of lime zest and pineapple. Clean, crisp acidity balances rich peach-like nectar on the palate. The mouthwatering, expansive finish evolves from notes of orange zest and lemon meringue to toasted brioche and graham cracker. Hints of a fresh baked Parisian baguette complex with orange blossom, and notes of coconut husk
Growing Conditions
The 2010 growing season featured a cool, wet spring resulting in late bud break and intense heat spikes in
late August and early September. However, our decision not to leaf our vines provided good protection to the
developing clusters. Once the heat had passed, we opened up the canopies for better exposure to sunlight
and air flow. This, coupled with warm temperatures that lasted through mid-October, helped our Chardonnay
fully ripen.
Vineyards: Pahlmeyer Waters Ranch & Atlas Peak
Bottling
It was not fined or sterile
filtered; bottled on Aug. 16, 2011.
Winemaking
The grapes were hand-sorted and gently whole-cluster pressed. After overnight settling, the juice was racked
to barrels for 100% native yeast barrel fermentation followed by malo-lactic fermentation.
Aging
The wine was aged
in 90% new French oak barrels for eleven months on the lees and stirred weekly.
Appearance
This Chardonnay exhibits a bright yellow hue.
