This is an intense and alluring Chardonnay, with a smooth, creamy mid-palate, excellent acidity and a long expressive finish. The aromas are bright and inviting, with layers of orange blossom, anise and Granny Smith apple. These elements are echoed on the palate, where they are joined by lush tropical notes of fresh-cut pineapple that carry through to a satisfying finish.
Though the beginning of the growing season was cold and wet, we had a successful bloom and set. Because the cool weather continued into summer, we applied extensive canopy management and vineyard floor cultivation, with little-to-no irrigation. After heat spikes in late August and early September, the end of the season was nice and temperate, and we were able to harvest ripe, high-quality fruit before any rain events. Despite its challenges, 2010 proved excellent for cool-climate winegrowing, delivering elegant wines with depth of flavor and superb balance at relatively low Brix.
HARVEST INFORMATION
Harvest Dates: October 1, 2010
Average Sugar at Harvest: 24.5° Brix
1 Vineyard Harvested
VARIETAL CONTENT
100% Chardonnay
COOPERAGE
100% Barrel Fermentation
100% French Oak
35% New Oak, 65% Second Vintage
Barrel Aging: 10 Months
TECHNICAL DATA
100% Malolactic
Alcohol: 14.5%
0.60 g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH: 3.43
Bottled: July 2011
Release Date: March 2012