2003 Andreen-Gale Cuvèe Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
Brilliant, slightly straw color. Citrus aromas of lime and lemon-butter followed by subtle notes of melon and apricot. Secondary aromas of vanilla bean, mineral and flint. Tropical fruit flavors and honey on entry complimented by crisp acidity and long, smooth finish. Enjoy through 2006.
Vineyards
Fruit sourced from our estate vineyards on the extreme Sonoma Coast, from Ft. Ross to Plantation, and 2 additional vineyards in the coolest regions of the appellation. Old Wente from Camp Meeting Ridge is the predominate clone (more than 70%) with the balance being a mix of Dijon clones and mature Clone 4.
Harvest
Early September 2003
Winemaking
Careful hand sorting and whole cluster pressing. Fermentation with indigenous, native yeasts accompanied by regular battonage until the completion of the malolactic fermentation in the spring of 2004. At the end of barrel aging the wine was gently inert gas-racked to tank for settling.
Cooperage and Aging
30% new barrels; 100% French Oak.
Total time in barrel: 11 months
Bottling
August 2004; 1583 cases produced
Final bottling technical information
- pH: 3.58
- TA: 0.61 g/100mL
- 14.3 % alcohol
Release Date:
Fall, 2005