Palate
This elegant Chardonnay exemplifies the terroir of the Keyes Vineyard with a unique flinty nuance. The fruit has a subtle expression of fruit cocktail, green apple and white peach. The barrel fermentation coupled with aging sur lie, added viscosity, creaminess and depth to this wine. The oak is well-integrated in a very nice balance that adds a hint of vanilla and a nuance of angel food.With a long finish, this wine has flavors of honeydew melon, with well-balanced acidity.
Growing Conditions
With abundant winter rains, the groundwater and our reservoirs were able to refresh after several years of drought. The summer had a few heat spells where we did employ water and canopy management, to avoid any damage to the fruit. The harvest was warm, early than normal and the yields were a little bit below average.
Harvest
September 20th.
Winemaking
84% barrel fermented aged sur lie; malolactic fermentation was not induced.
Aging
6 months in French oak, predominantly World Cooperage, 100% French oak with 31% new oak barrels.
Appearance
Brilliant pale straw color.
