2003 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Rochioli-Allen Vineyards

GRAPE SOURCE
* Rochioli Vineyard (60%): Clone 5 and Dijon clone 76 planted in the early 1990s in a block adjacent to the Russian River.
* Allen Vineyard (40%): Variety of Dijon clones used by Joe Rochioli to plant this contiguous property to the south. Each clone and rootstock was carefully selected for their compatibility to soil type, geography and orientation to the sun.

VINTAGE
The 2003 growing season provided the ideal combination of evening and early morning fog, with moderate daytime temperature, all of which provided near perfect conditions for full flavor development and acid retention.

WINEMAKING
Early morning hand harvesting and hand sorting at the winery prior to whole-cluster pressing assured the proper respect was paid to this fine fruit. After natural settling of grape solids, the clean juice was fermented in a combination of new and slightly used French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation was encouraged and aging in the barrel occurred with the lees present, to soften natural acidity and add roundness and complexity to the wine. The Rochioli fruit, with its structure and balance, combines beautifully with the full bodied, sensual fruit from the Allen Vineyard, creating a wine which is both luscious and mouth-filling, while retaining its crisp and refreshing balance.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Abundant aromas of fresh-cut peaches, honeysuckle and tangerine zest with hints of vanilla and butterscotch. This well-balanced wine is very fruit-forward, with complex layers of peaches, fresh green apples, citrus and honey with a hint of vanilla and a rich dose of complimentary oak. While full and supple, this wine brings generous acidity and refreshing balance to its mouthfilling finish.

Bottled: June 2004
Winemaker: Gary Farrell
Alcohol: 14.4
Case Production: 203
Acid/pH: 0.85/3.18
Released: September 2005

PAST VINTAGES
2002 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Rochioli-Allen Vineyards