Nose
Characteristically bold, yet refined in texture and seamlessly integrated, this opalescent, pale
straw chardonnay is seductively aromatic with white flowers, stone fruit and lime rind.
Palate
A
tautly structured palate is creamy and layered with flavors of Fuji apple, yeasty brioche,
meringue and ginger. This intense weave of flavors persists over a crisp, lingering finish
accented with wet stone and citrus
Growing Conditions
2009 began with an abundance of spring rain followed by mild, steady
summer temperatures that set the stage for nearly ideal pinot noir and chardonnay growing
conditions. The well‐set fruit ripened slowly allowing for an excellent balance of sugars and
acids to develop. The resulting wines can be characterized as elegant and rich with profound
depth and structure.
Harvest
Hand‐harvested grapes.
Bottling
Unblended, unfined and unfiltered; bottled January 2011
Winemaking
Whole cluster, direct to press, cold
Barrel‐fermented with indigenous yeasts; 6 months to completion
Concurrent, spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels
Aging
Aged 13 months in François Frères and Remond French oak barrels; 67% new. Aged sur lies; biweekly bâtonnage.