Description
Tasting Notes
This wine spent an additional 6 months in new American oak than its vintage counterpart, and what a difference! It has developed an exceedingly rich bouquet filled with notes of pineapple upside-down cake, toasted coconut, white musk and baking spice. Flavors of lemon custard, vanilla and cake batter glide over the palate. This long oak age provides a complimentary structure for the bright acidity and will keep evolving with every sip.
Vineyard
The Del Arroyo Vineyard boasts the highest elevation grapes grown in the Livermore Valley – between 700-1100 feet. This allows wide variations in temperature that allow for prolonged maturation. Careful attention to canopy and water management gives us extremely consistent fruit year after year.
Winemaking
This Chardonnay went directly to press at harvest. The wine was aged sur lie for nearly 14 months, and developed very slowly in the barrel. Lees were stirred weekly to enhance mouth-feel and richness.
Fermentation
Fermentation began in tank with CY3079 yeast, and completed after being transferred to barrel. We inoculated for malolactic fermentation with a low diacetyl producing strain to minimize acidity and promote a creamy texture without overwhelming notes of popcorn or butter.
Aging
Aged in barrel for 20 months. Finished in new American oak.
Interests
Triple crème brie, Scrabble, Restoration Hardware, Philanthropy, pet rescues, and hosting/entertaining.
