Nose
The 2016 Chardonnay from the Richard Dinner Vineyard offers singular aromas of
holiday spice, gardenia, blood orange, and yellow apple peel.
Palate
Delicate flavors of Forelle pear, rich, flaky
pie crust, and earthy white and gray clays are complemented by the wine’s structural depth and weight,
yet vaulted by an overall freshness and focused acidity.
Growing Conditions
Relative to the preceding three years, the 2016 growing season was notably cooler, with lower than
average daytime highs and colder nights. Though harvest commenced a week earlier than typical, the
weather remained stable throughout the ripening phase with no significant heat spikes. The result was
balanced fruit of optimal quality and a short harvest period, concluding within a two to three-week
timeline.
Clonal Selection: Old Wente, 72
Harvest
Hand-harvested at night, sheers only.
Bottling
Bottled unfined and unfiltered; January, 2018
Winemaking
Whole cluster pressed while still cold from the field
Barrel fermented with indigenous yeasts; 8 months to completion
Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel
Aging
Aged 15 months in French oak barrels; 55% new; Sur lie aging, biweekly bâtonnage.
Coopers: Cadus, Damy, Francois Frères, Gauthier, Louis Latour
Appearance
Deep straw in color,
Food Pairing
Highlight this wine’s complexity by pairing with
Boudin blanc, fresh pappardelle pasta lightly dressed with lemon cream, or a fresh corn soufflé. Serve
at 45°-50° F.