This is a head-turning Chardonnay with lovely fruit, bright acidity and seamlessly integrated oak. The aromatics are fresh and inviting with stone fruit and citrus layers, as well as notes of fresh-cut jasmine and perfume. On the palate this Chardonnay continues to spotlight its stone fruit elements with abundant flavors of apricot, peach and nectarine supported by modest oak and mouthwatering acidity.
The 2009 growing season in the Santa Maria Valley was marked by a very dry winter and spring and only about 7 total inches of rain. This resulted in small berries, small clusters and limited canopy growth. The temperatures were even all throughout the summer until a heat spell began in early September. This heat event gave our grapes a last little nudge toward perfect ripeness. Though the high temperatures lasted almost two weeks, we harvested within the first few days, bringing in grapes that showed an impeccable balance between fruit expression and acidity.
Harvest Dates: September 8 – October 22, 2009
Average Sugar at Harvest: 24.4° Brix
1 Vineyard Harvested
VARIETAL CONTENT
100% Chardonnay
COOPERAGE
90% Barrel Fermentation
100% French Oak
35% New Oak, 65% Second Vintage
Barrel Aging: 10 Months
TECHNICAL DATA
No Malolactic
Alcohol: 14.1%
0.72 g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH: 3.25
Bottled: July 2010
Release Date: March 2011
90 Points
This wine’s spicy apple scents are a touch oxidative, while the flavors are stony, lasting on a savory fruit and oak balance. More>
92 Points
Lively citrus, green apple and pear fruit shows floral honeysuckle scents in this fresh, concentrated, medium-to full-bodied white, turning to white peach and nectarine flavors on the finish. More>
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