2008 CHARDONNAY - CARNEROS | CARNEROS SELECTION

The creation of “cuvees” is clearly among our most important and exciting tasks, resulting in the finest possible blends utilizing all our best sources. This vintage is sourced from some the top Chardonnay vineyard properties.

The 2008 growing season was a roller coaster year. It began with dry warm weather that started vines growing early. Then there were freezing temperatures during the spring (down to 23 degrees F. in some areas of Sonoma County) causing some damage due to frost, followed by excessive heat and high wind during bloom. Thereafter we had slightly above average temperatures, followed by slightly below average temperatures all summer long. From a winemaking perspective, the dry growing season produced the benefit of inducing "moderate stress" on the vines, which limited growth of the canopy and focused the vines' energy on the grapes. The smaller berries with the slightly lighter crop combined to produce beautiful concentrated fruit flavors.

The 2008 Carneros Selection Chardonnay shows a lemon-gold color with medium intensity and bright clarity in appearance. The developing nose is of medium intensity and shows ripe banana, lemon cake, apple cider, chamomile, white peach and nectarine. The palate shows medium plus acidity and body with medium flavor intensity and length. Additional flavors of vanilla cream, marzipan, roasted nuts, popcorn and chalk increase complexity. Drink this rich, unctuous wine with cedar-planked salmon.