Nose
Our fourth vintage from Ulises Valdez vineyard is masculine in structure and bursting with aromas of
Fuji apple and crème brûlée.
Palate
This chardonnay is forthright, vibrant and full‐bodied, opening with well‐
articulated flavors of ripe pear and stone fruit and accented by hints of guava and yeasty bread. Fruit
and custard notes are enhanced over a long finish by lively acidity and subtle, well‐integrated oak.
Growing Conditions
The 2007 growing season was preceded by a mild, dry winter. Bud break came early
and set a crop of tight clusters of small berries. Summer brought warm, even temperatures through
veraison. Several heat spikes in August suggested that crush might begin early but temperatures
cooled in early September, allowing ample time for phenolics as well as sugars to reach optimum
levels. The result was a slow, steady harvest of exceptional quality, with wines showing great
intensity and structure.
Harvest
Hand‐harvested grapes.
Bottling
Unblended, unfined and unfiltered; bottled January 2009.
Winemaking
Whole cluster, direct to press, cold
Barrel‐fermented with indigenous yeasts; 4 months to completion
Concurrent, spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels
Aging
Aged 16 months in French oak barrels; 64% new. Aged sur lies; biweekly bâtonnage.