Palate

Bright acidity offsets fresh flavors of melon, quince, green apple and exotic flowers, while on the palate the wine displays the estate's characteristic creamy mid-palate and captivating finish

Growing Conditions

This vivacious wine is from a near-perfect vintage for the varietal. The season kicked off with a cooler and wetter than average spring, resulting in a late budbreak and bloom that was delayed until early June. A long, temperate summer followed. Our Spring Mountain estate experienced warm mornings above the fog that filled the Napa Valley for most of the summer, while afternoon highs rarely exceeded the upper 80's – just perfect ripening conditions for this delicate grape. Over the past few years, we have been moving toward a crisper, more vibrant style for our Vintner Select Chardonnay, and this year's cuvée exceeds our expectations.

Bottling

Bottled: June 2011.

Winemaking

Fermentation: 25% New French Oak, 75% Neutral French Oak.

Aging

Cooperage: 25% New French Oak, 75% Neutral French Oak.