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Our 2006 Chardonnay offers vivid aromas of melon, citrus and vanilla spice. A clean, fresh profile unfolds with flavors of pear, apple, guava and caramel. The texture is full yet focused, finishing with appealing mineral accents and refreshing acidity. Recommended pairings include gnocchi with butter and sage, sautéed halibut with pecan shallot topping, pan-fried salmon with roasted vegetables, and roast chicken with lemon and herbs.
Winemaking:
The 2006 harvest arrived later than usual, and the last of our Chardonnay was picked on October
31. In fact, Chuck Ortman can only once recall harvesting Chardonnay this late in Edna Valley, and that was during his inaugural 1979 harvest in the region. The wait was worth it, however, as the resulting flavors were exquisitely concentrated. After gentle whole-cluster pressing, the juice was cold settled for two days, then racked to French oak barrels for fermentation. Secondary malolactic fermentation was induced in 40 percent of the wine to add dimension to the palate. The wine was aged sur lie in French oak barrels for 11 months, with the lees stirred monthly.
Vineyards:
Firepeak
Cat Canyon
Soil Composition:
Clay loam, rocky marine sediment,
Diablo series volcanic deposits
Duration of Aging:
10 months in French oak barrels
(35% new oak)
Varietal Composition:
Chardonnay 100%
Production:
1200 Cases
Final Analysis:
TA 0.66
pH 3.68
Alc. 14.4%
Winemaking:
The 2006 harvest arrived later than usual, and the last of our Chardonnay was picked on October
31. In fact, Chuck Ortman can only once recall harvesting Chardonnay this late in Edna Valley, and that was during his inaugural 1979 harvest in the region. The wait was worth it, however, as the resulting flavors were exquisitely concentrated. After gentle whole-cluster pressing, the juice was cold settled for two days, then racked to French oak barrels for fermentation. Secondary malolactic fermentation was induced in 40 percent of the wine to add dimension to the palate. The wine was aged sur lie in French oak barrels for 11 months, with the lees stirred monthly.
Vineyards:
Firepeak
Cat Canyon
Soil Composition:
Clay loam, rocky marine sediment,
Diablo series volcanic deposits
Duration of Aging:
10 months in French oak barrels
(35% new oak)
Varietal Composition:
Chardonnay 100%
Production:
1200 Cases
Final Analysis:
TA 0.66
pH 3.68
Alc. 14.4%