 |
| |
SCV
2008 Chardonnay, Gold Ridge Hills, Sonoma Coast |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
Vineyard Sources: Petersen and Antonio Mountain vineyards
Clones: Dijon 95, Cone 4 and Wente |
|
|
|
|
 |
The 2008 Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast provided complex and concentrated fruit despite a precarious start to the vintage. Spring frosts followed by cold rains damaged the buds and clusters, which resulted in lower than normal yields. But, summer was nearly perfect with warm sunny days in the 70s and no heat spikes of any consequence. As fall arrived, ideal warm days and cool, fog-shrouded nights lingered, pushing harvest back to November.
Harvest in both vineyards took place in the cool morning hours, 45 days later than most wine growing regions in California. |
Harvest Dates: October 18-November 1
|
|
|
 |
The fruit was brought to the winery in a cold state and the whole clusters were pressed gently to minimize oxidation and solids. The juice was further chilled, inoculated with a pure strain of Montrachet yeast, and transferred to barrels for primary fermentation.
Barrel Fermentation and Aging
The barrels of Tonnellerie Sirugue from Burgundy are ideal for enhancing the stylistic vision of our Chardonnay. The barrels are air-dried for 36 months and toasted medium-plus and elegant-plus. The wine finished fermentation in barrel and remained there sur lie for 10 months. During the first five months, each barrel was stirred by hand four times per month and for the remaining time two times per month. Malolactic fermentation was encouraged and consequently the rich texture complements the wine’s bright malic acid. |
Barrel Aging: French oak, 60% new
Bottled: September , 2009
|
|
|
 |
The 2008 Gold Ridge Hills Chardonnay expresses a broad range of citrus and tropical fruit aromas. The toast and caramel of the oak is well integrated, offering a crème brûlée richness with a fresh, silky acid matrix. The fruit brings zesty lemon, fresh pear, tropical fruit and a touch of green apple flavors. The aging potential for this wine should be exceptional. I believe it will evolve dramatically over the next six to 12 months and from there continue to evolve at a more subtle rate for several years.
Anthony Austin, Winemaker, May 28, 2010 |
|
|
 |
|
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Production: 243 cases
(6/750ml)
Alcohol: 14.0%
pH: 3.3
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
