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ABOUT THE WINE
Our 2007 Estate Chardonnay is a true expression of Chalone’s unique terroir capturing the very essence of our vineyard with toasty aromas of hazelnut, stone fruit, white pear and a unique minerality. On the palate, there is a bright acidity that mingles with flavors of fleshy pear, apricot, a bit of apple and is marked by Chalone’s distinctive minerality which comes from our vineyard’s unique limestone and decomposed granite soils.
We allowed more than half of the wine to complete native malolactic fermentation to round the acidity and add creaminess which results in a long, lingering and bright finish that is absolutely delicious. Gentle stirring (bâtonnage) every two weeks during the 10 months of sur lie aging broadened the mouthfeel and enhanced the rich, silky texture.
ABOUT THE VINEYARDS
We hand harvested all of the Chardonnay from the estate vineyards surrounding our winery. These vines are rooted in soils so unique that the region has earned the status of an American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Chalone AVA sits at about 1,600 to over 1,800 feet on a bench on the west side of the Gavilan Mountains. The summer’s diurnal temperatures swing by as much as 45° F, providing cold nights that retain grape acids while warm days develop sweet, ripe flavors. The shallow soils combine with an arid climate (with less than 10 inches of rainfall a year) to stress the vines, thus concentrating the flavor and mineral character of the grapes.
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
There’s one word to describe California’s 2007 vintage—spectacular! 2007 began with lower-than-average winter rainfall and a warm spring that encouraged early budbreak. Moderate temperatures prevailed throughout the growing season for even ripening and development of good sugar-to-acid ratios. These conditions also fostered small, concentrated grapes that gave vibrant flavors to our Chardonnay. Overall, grape quality was high with ripe, lush flavors balanced with lively acidity.
Our 2007 Estate Chardonnay is a true expression of Chalone’s unique terroir capturing the very essence of our vineyard with toasty aromas of hazelnut, stone fruit, white pear and a unique minerality. On the palate, there is a bright acidity that mingles with flavors of fleshy pear, apricot, a bit of apple and is marked by Chalone’s distinctive minerality which comes from our vineyard’s unique limestone and decomposed granite soils.
We allowed more than half of the wine to complete native malolactic fermentation to round the acidity and add creaminess which results in a long, lingering and bright finish that is absolutely delicious. Gentle stirring (bâtonnage) every two weeks during the 10 months of sur lie aging broadened the mouthfeel and enhanced the rich, silky texture.
ABOUT THE VINEYARDS
We hand harvested all of the Chardonnay from the estate vineyards surrounding our winery. These vines are rooted in soils so unique that the region has earned the status of an American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Chalone AVA sits at about 1,600 to over 1,800 feet on a bench on the west side of the Gavilan Mountains. The summer’s diurnal temperatures swing by as much as 45° F, providing cold nights that retain grape acids while warm days develop sweet, ripe flavors. The shallow soils combine with an arid climate (with less than 10 inches of rainfall a year) to stress the vines, thus concentrating the flavor and mineral character of the grapes.
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
There’s one word to describe California’s 2007 vintage—spectacular! 2007 began with lower-than-average winter rainfall and a warm spring that encouraged early budbreak. Moderate temperatures prevailed throughout the growing season for even ripening and development of good sugar-to-acid ratios. These conditions also fostered small, concentrated grapes that gave vibrant flavors to our Chardonnay. Overall, grape quality was high with ripe, lush flavors balanced with lively acidity.