2002 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Westside Farms

VINTAGE
This wine was entirely barrel fermented in the finest French oak barrels, and aged sur-lees until consolidating for bottling. During the aging process, the lees were hand stirred weekly from November through January, which adds tremendous richness and complexity to the wine. Unlike some producers, we encourage malolactic fermentation in only 50% of our barrels. This ensures the wine does not become overly buttery or "cloying", yet assists in mellowing the generous natural acidity so coveted in the wines from the region.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
These grapes were hand harvested on September 20, 2002, with an average sugar content of 24.4 degrees brix, .81 gm/100 ml total titratable acidity and 3.42 pH.

Winemaker: Gary Farrell
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 13.8%
Case Production: 396
Acid/pH: 0.70/3.62