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* 2005 Chardonnay, Nielson Vineyard
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Winemaking Notes
The 2005 vintage was characterized by plentiful winter rainfall, mild temperatures and a gradual ripening of the grapes, which allowed us to pick each block at optimum maturity. This small bottling of Chardonnay comes from a vineyard I have worked with for more than 20 years, the Nielson Vineyard, Santa Barbara County's oldest commercial vineyard.The 40-year-old vines are especially expressive, so a minimalist approach to winemaking allows the character and integrity of the fruit to shine through. The grapes were hand picked and gently pressed as whole clusters. The wine was 100% barrel fermented with 100% malo-lactic fermentation. The Chardonnay aged sur lie for 11 months in French oak, with 10% new oak in the barrel mix.
Tasting Notes
This Chardonnay is silky and elegant with fresh aromas of golden delicious apple, pear and honey accented by hints of cinnamon, clove and a faint background of French oak. A rich mouth feel and opulent mid-palate are kissed by a touch of natural acidity on the finish. The excellent structure and well-defined fruit character ensure this will be a long-lived Chardonnay.
Technical Data:
| Alcohol: | 14.5% | | Total Acidity: | 5.42 g/l | | pH: | 3.47 | | Residual Sugar: | dry | | Composition/Blend: | 100% Chardonnay | | Appellation: | Nielson Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley | | Fermentation: | 100% Barrel Fermented | | Barrels: | French Oak | | Vineyard: | Nielson Vineyard | | Soil Type: | low vigor, sandy loam | | Cases Produced: | 235 |
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