As a blend of the variety of clones from different blocks throughout our vineyard, our Estate wines are bold, beautiful and capture the complete expression of the estate and that varietal.
Appellation: Chamisal Vineyard, Edna Valley
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Clones: UCD 4, UCD 5, 75, 76, 96, 352, Chamisal
Oak treatment: 14 months in 40% new French oak
Alcohol: 14.1%
Cases made: 2,150
Release date: April, 2009
Retail price: $24.
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$24.
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89 points - Connoisseurs' Guide
THE VINEYARD
Chamisal was the first vineyard planted in the Edna Valley in 1973 and now contains 80 acres planted to 5 varieties and 25 clonal selections. The nearby Pacific ocean creates a long temperate growing season for exceptional hang time, which combines with the calcareous, clay-rich soil to produce fruit with exceptional intensity and complex flavors.
VINTAGE
2007 started out so cold, with temperatures as low as 9º F, that our usual bud-break was delayed by about two weeks. Spring came on dry and warm which helped to reduce disease pressure and allowed for strong vine development. The best part was a long, consistent summer that brought on exceptional ripeness without sugars spiking from dehydrated grapes.
WINEMAKING
Our grapes were night-harvested by hand over 16 separate picks between October 8th and 16th. Each pick was hand-sorted in the vineyard, then the whole clusters were quickly pressed to retain their bright fruit flavors. The juice was cold-settled and racked to French oak barrels for a long, cool fermentation using several yeasts. It underwent malolactic on the lees for 8 months with frequent stirring then racked, blended and returned to barrel for a further 6 months.
CLONAL SELECTION
Containing all seven Chardonnay clones we grow, this wine truly encompasses the terroir of the Chamisal vineyard. The Chamisal clone, part of the original stock first planted, and clones 76 and 96 particularly capture the unique flavors of the vineyard in particular and the Edna Valley region in general.
TASTING NOTES
Our 2007 Estate Chardonnay bursts with exuberant citrus and tropical notes with candied Meyer lemon zest and fresh pineapple at the forefront, enhanced by hints of vanilla and toasty oak. Echoing the nose, luxurious lemon curd and tropical fruit flavors dominate the palate along with nuances of wild fennel and nutmeg contributed by our signature "Chamisal Spice". .
