Nose
Scented with lemongrass, white flowers and a touch of orange rind.
Palate
A sleek, silky palate
reveals pure, focused flavors of Gala apple, pear and lemon meringue while yeasty elements
add richness and complexity. A long finish is enlivened by citrus and mineral notes.
Growing Conditions
2008 began with an exceptionally dry spring and early bud break. Frosts in
April significantly lowered cluster counts. Weather stabilized and warmed through summer,
with warmer temperatures continuing through harvest. A smaller crop of high quality fruit
was able to ripen fully and evenly, developing an excellent balance of sugars and acid.
Overall, the 2008 wines are bright and expressive with well‐articulated flavors
Harvest
Hand‐harvested grapes
Bottling
Unfined and unfiltered; bottled January 2010.
Winemaking
Whole cluster, direct to press, cold
Barrel‐fermented with indigenous yeasts; 5 months to completion
Concurrent native malolactic fermentation in barrels
Aging
Aged 12 months in French oak barrels; 48% new; Aged sur lies; biweekly bâtonnage.
Appearance
Richly textured, aromatic and bright, this appellation blend is brilliant pale straw in color