Nose
Vibrant on the nose, our 2016 Vintner Select Chardonnay expresses lively aromas of green apple, melon, quince, lilac, starfruit and pear.
Palate
On the palate, it balances roundness and richness against bright acidity and a clean refreshing character, which is the textural goal we aim for each year.
Growing Conditions
Three blocks of grapes grown at the top of our Spring Mountain Estate make up this wine, with each block contributing to its complexity. 50% is sourced from our oldest block, planted thirteen years ago to clone 4, 40% comes from a six-year old block planted to the Burgundy selection clone 96, and the remaining 10% is obtained from a five-year old block planted to the California heritage Wente clone.
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Harvest
The grapes are harvested at night.
Bottling
Bottled: July 2017.
Winemaking
Gently pressed to French oak barrels (25% new), and fermented.
Fermentation: 25% New French Oak 75% Neutral French Oak
Aging
Aged on the lees with weekly stirring for nine months with periodic stirring of the lees. A partial malolactic fermentation is conducted, then arrested at 30% completion.
Cooperage: 25% New French Oak, 75% Neutral French Oak