2003 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Cresta Ridge
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100% Cresta Ridge Vineyard, planted in 1999. This is the newest of Debbie and Gary Farrell’s vineyard properties, 20 acres located in Sebastopol (Green Valley sub-appellation), of which 4 acres are planted with Chardonnay, Dijon clones 95 and 76. These clones were selected for their favorable flavor profiles, small clusters and berry size and moderate yields.
WINEMAKING
The cool “Green Valley” sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley allows for even longer maturation time, providing wonderful intensity and complexity to the fruit profile. As with all of our Chardonnays, we chose three strains of yeast for primary fermentation that promote the true expression of the fruit character. This wine was 100% barrel fermented, incorporating 35% new French oak, sur lie aged, and ML fermentation in approximately 80% of the lot. Though the vines are only six years old, through meticulous vineyard management and care, Cresta Ridge is rapidly becoming one of the finest fruit sources used in our vineyard designate Chardonnays.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Aromas of tangerine oil, lime, honey and hints of hazelnut. Beautiful with vibrant acidity and freshness, this wines has ever changing layers of citrus fruits and moderately toasty oak nuances made more complex with a mineral component. Great balance and a lingering, mouth-watering finish.
Bottled: June 2004
Winemaker: Gary Farrell
Alcohol: 14.4
Case Production: 209
Acid/pH: 0.84/3.36
Released: March 2005
Appellation: Russian River Valley