Nose
Our Chardonnay has refreshing fruit aromas. Lemon and lemon-lime with green apple seems to compose much of the bright fruit, but there is a subtle complexity that conjures up memories of lemon cake, lemon meringue and key lime pie.
Palate
The oak is well integrated, adding complexity and spice but not standing out in any fashion. This wine has great viscosity, depth and an intriguing minerality. The flavors in the palate are predominantly citrus and floral with a white peach component, inviting from start to finish.
Growing Conditions
The cool wet winter continued into the spring, delaying bud break, flowering and fruit set by at least two weeks. The set was low, with a lower than average crop size. The summer temperatures were below normal as well, prolonging the growing cycle, delaying veraison and harvest. There was a two day heat spike around August 24th that caused sunburn damage where some of the clusters died. The sunburn fruit was separated on the vine or on the sorting table. The harvest was delayed, yet had plenty of time to achieve maturity before the rains arrived.
Harvest
Various dates between 10/1/10 to 10/13/10 at 24.4° Brix
Bottling
May 2011
Winemaking
55 % was barrel fermented and 45% was cold fermented in stainless steel tanks. No malolactic fermentation to preserve the bright fruit of chardonnay
Aging
20% new wood Barrels: French Oak Cooperage: Damy and World Cooperage Age in barrels: 4 months collectively
Appearance
Youthful greenish straw in color.
