2003 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Starr Ridge Vineyards

GRAPE SOURCE
Owned by Gary and Debbie Farrell, this 24-acre parcel is located in the hills just east of the Russian River and southwest of the town of Windsor. In 1996, four acres of 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 incorporated to promote competition for water and nutrients, thus further reducing vigor and keeping crop levels low. By doing so, flavor potential is maximized and ideal sugar/acid ratios become obtainable.

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. We are tremendously proud of the wines being produced from this amazing vineyard property.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Beautiful, clean, layered aromas of apple blossoms, pear and citrus. This wine is wonderfully complex in the mouth with generous fruit and mineral components, further enhanced by moderately toasty oak and hints of hazelnut. It is seductive and long on the palate, with refreshing crisp acidity. Great wine with your summer fare.

Bottled: June 2004
Winemaker: Gary Farrell
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 14.3%
Case Production: 303
Acid/pH: 0.82 / 3.24
Released: June 2005

PAST VINTAGES
2002 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Starr Ridge Vineyard