Nose
Aromas of Granny Smith apple, citrus and orange blossom that carry through over a
viscous, firmly‐structured palate.
Palate
Notes of lemon custard and white flowers add complexity,
with oak playing a supporting role. Subtle impressions of nutmeg and minerals lengthen an
elegant finish.
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
Unblended, unfined and unfiltered; bottled January 2010.
Winemaking
Whole cluster, direct to press, cold
Barrel‐fermented with indigenous yeasts; 7 months to completion
Concurrent, spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels
Aging
Aged 16 months in Damy and François Frères French oak barrels; 61% new. Aged sur lies; biweekly bâtonnage.
Appearance
Crystalline pale straw color.