2007 CHARDONNAY. Fort Ross Vineyard. Sonoma Coast
Wine Specs
Vintage
2007
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Sonoma Coast
Harvest Date
October 14, 2007
Acid
.62g/100ml
Aging
8 Months
Bottling Date
June 26, 2008
Alcohol %
14.5
This golden hued Chardonnay perfectly balances lush complexity with the natural acidity characteristic of the Fort Ross coastal climate. Aromas of ripe melons, apricots and lemon meringue are framed by a hint of hazelnut. The focused palate of full, succulent Chardonnay fruit flavors are enlivened by the vineyard's signature minerality. The graceful finish lingers with finesse and elegance. This finely-structured Chardonnay from an ideal vintage will continue to evolve for many years.
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
This golden hued Chardonnay perfectly balances lush complexity with the natural acidity characteristic of the Fort Ross coastal climate. Aromas of ripe melons, apricots and lemon meringue are framed by a hint of hazelnut. The focused palate of full, succulent Chardonnay fruit flavors are enlivened by the vineyard's signature minerality. The graceful finish lingers with finesse and elegance. This finely-structured Chardonnay from an ideal vintage will continue to evolve for many years
Winemaker Notes
The grapes for this Chardonnay were handpicked during the cool hours of the night in small five-gallon buckets. The fruit was hand sorted in the vineyard and gently whole cluster pressed at the winery. After pressing, the wine underwent primary and malolactic fermentation in a combination of 25% new and 75% used French oak. This discrete use of new oak allowed the fruit to shine. During extended blending trials that produced countless blends from different permutations of the field selections (and clones), blocks and barrels, we determined that our 2007 Chardonnay was at its best and seamlessly balanced when all of the barrels were blended together, including those we had set aside for the Reserve bottling. The result is that there will be no separate Reserve Chardonnay in 2007. This wine is comprised of 75% small berried old Hyde field selection chosen for its richness and sleek structure and 25% old Wente for its luscious fruit and grace.
Other Notes
2007 was a long, cool growing season, providing the ideal conditions for berry development. Our proximity to the ocean and its cooling effects saved us from a heat spike that affected inland areas much more severely. All Chardonnay blocks were picked through mid-October, based on optimal physiological ripeness. The vines were balanced, the yields were small, and the concentration of flavor was excellent this year. The rains began the day after we had finished picking the Chardonnay.
2007 CHARDONNAY. Fort Ross Vineyard. Sonoma Coast
Wine Specs
Vintage
2007
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Sonoma Coast
Harvest Date
October 14, 2007
Acid
.62g/100ml
Aging
8 Months
Bottling Date
June 26, 2008
Alcohol %
14.5