Nose
The opalescent straw hued wine exhibits an exotic nose of stone fruit and spices accented with tropical notes of guava and papaya. finish.
Palate
A firmly structured, steely palate provides the backbone around which layers of pear and toasted brioche wrap themselves. Hints of butter and sweet spices persist over a creamy
Growing Conditions
2011 began with a wet winter and spring across Sonoma and Napa Counties. Summer was warm, and as harvest approached temperatures rose. Our chardonnay ripened fully and evenly, allowing sugars and acid to develop in balance. The wines from 2011 are bright, expressive and faceted. Clonal Selection: Wente, See
Harvest
Hand‐harvested grapes.
Bottling
Unfined and unfiltered; bottled January 2013.
Winemaking
Whole cluster, direct to press, cold Barrel‐fermented with indigenous yeasts; 5 months to completion Concurrent spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels
Aging
Aged 11 months in French oak barrels; 56% new; Aged sur lies; biweekly bâtonnage
