2006 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Starr Ridge Vineyard

93 points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
92 points - Wine Spectator
92 points - Wine & Spirits
92 points - Wine News

GRAPE SOURCE
The 24 acre Starr Ridge Vineyard site has an easterly orientation and is located in the cool, breezy hills just east of the Russian River and southwest of the town of Windsor. Four acres of the vineyard are planted to Chardonnay, including Dijon clones 95 and 96, 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. The result is intensely flavored Chardonnay with an ideal balance of sugar and acidity.

WINEMAKING NOTES
The challenging 2006 vintage saw a wet, cool spring and reduced yields, but produced zesty fruit with excellent flavor development. These grapes were hand-harvested on August 24th and 29th at 23.6 degrees Brix and whole cluster pressed. Malolactic fermentation was encouraged and the wine was matured on its lees for 7 1/2 months in a mix of 50% new and one and two year-old French oak barrels. We feel the fruit from this vineyard is of consistent and exceptional quality... the perfect ingredient for excellent wines.

TASTING NOTES
This 2006 Starr Ridge Chardonnay exhibits pleasant aromas of fresh green apples, lemon zest and toffee. This luscious fruit-focused wine fills the mouth with flavors of baked apples, lemon curd and well-integrated sweet oak. This wonderfully complex Chardonnay has brilliant acidity and a lingering finish. Try this wine with the rich flavors of pan seared diver scallops or roast chicken with lemon and thyme.


TECHNICAL NOTES
Winemaker: Susan Reed
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Harvested: August 24th and 29th, 2006
Bottled: June 7, 2007

Cases Produced: 198
Alcohol: 14.2%
Acidity: 3.47 pH, 5.40 g/L 

PAST VINTAGES
2005 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley/ Starr Ridge Vineyard
2004 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Starr Ridge Vineyard
2003 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Starr Ridge Vineyard
2002 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Starr Ridge Vineyard