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Vintage Character
The spring of 2006 was quite wet and cool with bud break occurring in early March. The cool spring and summer temperatures allowed the Chardonnay grapes to develop at much earlier brix, preserving the natural acidity while developing the flavors and aromas.
Appellation
Santa Maria Valley is one of California’s coolest grape growing appellations with one of the longest growing seasons in the world. The well-drained, lean soils and direct access to cool Pacific Ocean breezes and fog make it one of America’s premier growing regions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Vineyard Profile
Fruit for this wine is sourced from the estate Nielson Vinayrd, Santa Barbara County’s oldest commercial vineyard, planted in 1964. These vines, most of which are planted to the acclaimed Wente clone of Chardonnay, consistently produce low yields of small, intensely flavored berries. The lean, low-vigor soils and cool, coastal climate of the Nielson Vineyard make it ideal for growing world-class Chardonnay. Our Master Vineyard Team, a small highly experienced team of vineyard managers and workers, practices one of the most rigorous vineyard management programs in the industry to ensure the utmost quality of our fruit. Sure the utmost quality of our fruit.
Winemaker Notes
Byron 2006 Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley is styled to highlight the vivid aromas and flavors
of our cool climate fruit enhanced by careful winemaking. The wine was 100% barrel fermented with 100% malolactic fermentation. Additional layers of complexity were achieved through sur lie aging and weekly hand stirring of the barrels known as batonage. Native yeasts, which contribute silkiness and depth to the wine, were used on selected lots.
Tasting Notes
This 2006 Chardonnay displays aromas of orange blossom, fig and lychee, accented by hints of mineral and toasty oak. On the palate, the wine is well balanced with traces of honey, mandarin orange and toasty brown spice, giving way to a long, lingering finish.
Varietal Component: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley
Aging: 10 months in 100% French oak (25% new)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest Date: September, 2006
Bottling Date: June 12, 2007
Case Production: 6,169 ( 9L cases)
The spring of 2006 was quite wet and cool with bud break occurring in early March. The cool spring and summer temperatures allowed the Chardonnay grapes to develop at much earlier brix, preserving the natural acidity while developing the flavors and aromas.
Appellation
Santa Maria Valley is one of California’s coolest grape growing appellations with one of the longest growing seasons in the world. The well-drained, lean soils and direct access to cool Pacific Ocean breezes and fog make it one of America’s premier growing regions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Vineyard Profile
Fruit for this wine is sourced from the estate Nielson Vinayrd, Santa Barbara County’s oldest commercial vineyard, planted in 1964. These vines, most of which are planted to the acclaimed Wente clone of Chardonnay, consistently produce low yields of small, intensely flavored berries. The lean, low-vigor soils and cool, coastal climate of the Nielson Vineyard make it ideal for growing world-class Chardonnay. Our Master Vineyard Team, a small highly experienced team of vineyard managers and workers, practices one of the most rigorous vineyard management programs in the industry to ensure the utmost quality of our fruit. Sure the utmost quality of our fruit.
Winemaker Notes
Byron 2006 Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley is styled to highlight the vivid aromas and flavors
of our cool climate fruit enhanced by careful winemaking. The wine was 100% barrel fermented with 100% malolactic fermentation. Additional layers of complexity were achieved through sur lie aging and weekly hand stirring of the barrels known as batonage. Native yeasts, which contribute silkiness and depth to the wine, were used on selected lots.
Tasting Notes
This 2006 Chardonnay displays aromas of orange blossom, fig and lychee, accented by hints of mineral and toasty oak. On the palate, the wine is well balanced with traces of honey, mandarin orange and toasty brown spice, giving way to a long, lingering finish.
Varietal Component: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley
Aging: 10 months in 100% French oak (25% new)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Harvest Date: September, 2006
Bottling Date: June 12, 2007
Case Production: 6,169 ( 9L cases)