Growing Conditions
2011 was an exceptional year for Chardonnay—exceptionally cool, that is. Chilly and wet
through spring, bud break was delayed two weeks or so in most of our vineyards.
Temperatures remained cool through bloom and set and on into harvest. Since
Chardonnay is an early season variety, it is a grape that can reach maturity in a cooler
season. Our 2011’s are elegant expressions of a cool vintage.
Harvest
We harvested the 15th of October at 23.1 degrees Brix for a perfectly balanced wine, but we were racing against humidity and the possibility of mildew and botrytis setting in.
Winemaking
Whole-cluster pressing for delicacy, native-yeast barrel fermentation and full natural
malolactic fermentation.
Aging
21 months in 45% new French oak barrels (Francois Freres & Demptos) and aged sur lies
with weekly bâtonnage through malo. Non-filtered.