2003 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
Vibrant aromas of lime, lemon verbena, and hints of vanilla bean are followed by complex undertones of honey, cedar, and flint. The flavors are rich and spreading across the palate with a velvety texture and lively acidity. A well-balanced wine with flavors of apples, pears and minerals. Showing well now and will continue to gain complexity for 1-3 years.
Vineyards
This wine continues to be a blend of several of our Sonoma Coast vineyards, including Camp Meeting Ridge; a blend of Dijon clones (95 and 76), mature vine clone 4, and the low-yielding "Old Wente" selection.
Harvest
Early to mid September 2003, depending on location & block/clone.
Winemaking
Fruit was rigorously hand sorted and gently whole cluster pressed. The juice was not settled and either put straight to barrel or left in tank. Fermentation temperatures were in the 70 degree range followed by lees stirring for 4 months in barrel. Mostly native yeast and malolactic (ML) fermentations with only a few lots fermented using cultured burgundy isolates. Fermentations were particularly long with the wines from this vintage.
Cooperage and Aging
100% French oak; 30% new.
Time in barrel = 10 months.
Bottling
August 2004; 2851 cases produced.
Final bottling technical information
- pH: 3.41
- TA: 0.64 g/100 ml
- Alcohol: 14.5%
Release Date
Spring 2005