2002 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Starr Ridge Vineyards

GRAPE SOURCE
After years of planning and development, the vines at Starr Ridge Vineyard (now eight years old) are producing some of the finest fruit used in our designated Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. We are tremendously proud of this accomplishment, but even more excited about the amazing wines produced from these low-yielding clones planted on an east-facing slope in the hills adjacent to the Russian River.

Chardonnay Dijon clones 95 and 96 were selected for this site, due to their favorable flavor profiles, small cluster and berry size, and moderate yields. Close vine spacing was also incorporated to promote competition for water and nutrients, thus further reducing vigor and keeping crop levels (per plant) to appropriate levels. By doing so, flavor potential is maximized and ideal sugar/acid ratios become obtainable.

* 100% Russian River Valley Chardonnay
* 100% Starr Ridge Vineyard
* 100% Dijon Clone 95

These grapes were harvested on September 3, with a sugar content of 24.4 degrees brix, .72 gm/100 ml total titratable acidity and 3.46 pH.

WINEMAKING
After an early morning harvest, the grapes were manually sorted and whole-cluster pressed. The juice was then chilled to 50 degrees F and allowed to settle for 36 hours prior to transferring to 60 gallon French oak barrels (35% new) for fermentation. A variety of yeast selections were used to enhance complexity and malolactic fermentation was encouraged. Lees stirring occurred weekly, with the wine remaining in contact with the lees until consolidation for bottling.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Beautiful, with expansive yet elegant flavors, this wine is layered with aromas and flavors of honeysuckle, melon and lime-citrus … and made more complex by hazelnut and well measured, moderately toasty oak nuances. It is seductive and long on the palate, with a welcome note of acidity bringing freshness to its mouth-watering finish. Great balance and length, as harmonious fruit components seem to linger forever!



Winemaker: Gary Farrell
Alcohol: 13.7%
Case Production: 163
Acid/pH: .68/3.58