 The Vineyard
The Lucia Highland Vineyard which is located in the northern, coolest part of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation, is where we get the Wente Clone 4. Moderately warm and breezy days are followed by cool evenings and foggy mornings, ideal conditions for intensely flavorful Chardonnays.
The Vintage
The 2007 vintage was one of the coolest in the past three decades. Mid day temperatures from May through August averaged 80 degrees and delayed harvest substantially. In late September we experienced two minor rainstorms but they had little to no effect on the vintage. The Chardonnay was harvested under ideal conditions, resulting in an extraordinary Vintage.
Winemaking
Hand harvested fruit was immediately pressed into stainless steel tanks to settle for 72 hours prior to being transferred to a combination of French oak barrels and stainless steel tank for fermentation. After the completion of primary fermentation, the young wine was allowed to go through 100 percent malolactic fermentation to add complexity and a supple mouthfeel.
Tasting Notes
Chardonnay from the Santa Lucia Highlands is always loaded with incredible fruit intensity and firm acidity. Mandarin rind, ripe pear and tropical aromas of pineapple and banana accentuate the nose. Through the process of "sur lee" aging the wine has developed a soft texture with medium weight and a yeasty/creamy character. A touch of austere citrus with a smoky finish due to French oak are also evident. This wine is fashioned in an approachable style that pairs well with lighter foods, especially chicken and white fish.
AWARDS
- 90 PT GOLD MEDAL 2009 BTI WORLD WINE CHAMPIONSHIPS
- BRONZE MEDAL 2010 S.F. CHRONICLE WINE COMPETITION
- BRONZE MEDAL O.C. WINE COMPETITION
- BRONZE MEDAL 2010 S.F. INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION
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