"There is a hint of flint on the nose, that becomes the musk of jasmine flowers. The richness of fresh cream is accompanied by the flavors of a gala apple. The layered viscosity of the fruit slowly subsides to reveal watermelon pith and gardenia flowers." – Erin Green, Winemaker November 2011
"This wine features complex layers of ripe white peach, toasty vanillins, citrus, lemon curd and graham cracker crust. It is fullbodied with rich viscosity and perfectly balanced with lively acidity. The long finish leaves a juicy impression.” — Erin Green, Winemaker May 2009
Composition
100% Chardonnay
Vineyards
- Pahlmeyer Estate Vineyard,
- Atlas Peak Vineyard
Critics
92 Points
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #180, December 2008
The 2007 Chardonnay Napa reveals more honeysuckle and ripe peach characteristics, a deeper, fleshier mouthfeel, and less minerality. Full-bodied with brilliant acidity.
92 Points
James Laube, Wine Spectator, June 2009
Aromas of fresh, ripe fig and peach join smoky, toasty oak and spicy hazelnut notes in this sleek, full-bodied style. Ends with a sweetish fig and apricot edge that's elegant and complex.
90 Points
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, May/June 2009
Good full yellow. Full-blown aromas of pineapple, honeysuckle, clove, butter and smoke. Plump and silky-sweet, with a rather exotic pina colada flavor. All fruit on the finish, with just enough grip to maintain its shape. A weighty, upfront wine that will probably be best over the next year or two.
Winemaking
- Winemaker:
- Erin Green
- Alcohol:
- 14.9%
- Bottled:
- August 25, 2008
- Released:
- May 1, 2009
Our Chardonnay grapes are gently whole cluster pressed. After overnight settling, the juice is racked to barrels to undergo 100% native yeast barrel fermentation followed by malolactic fermentation. The resulting wine is aged in 90% new French oak barrels for 11 months. The lees are stirred weekly to bring more complexity to the wine. Our Chardonnay is never fined or sterile filtered.
