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BLEND
& GRAPE SOURCES: 100% Chardonnay primarily from estate-grown vineyards in Carneros as well as from independent growers. |
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WINEMAKING
DATA: Grapes were harvested at an average 24.4° Brix, with 30% of the blend barrel fermented in new French oak and 70% barrel fermented in two to three-year-old French oak; aged an additional nine months then blended and bottled in November, 2001. |
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The
2000 growing season began with a warm, dry spring and mild summer weather
which avoided the temperature spikes experienced the two previous years. Harvest began in mid-September with excellent quality fruit, a trend that continued until mid-October when cooler weather arrived along with light rain. Although the rain did not harm the fruit and the weather improved immediately, nighttime temperatures were dramatically cooler than either ’98 or ’99 and ripening was delayed. This trend continued throughout the month with significant rainfall arriving on October 25th. All of our Chardonnay was harvested before the storm, with selective picking in the vineyard ensuring ripe, extractive flavors with good sugar/acid balance. The resulting wine is scented with pear, lemon, honey and spicy oak. Supple, ripe and expressive fruit flavors are framed by good acidity and a long, textured finish. |
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