2008 CHARDONNAY - RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY | ROCHIOLI - ALLEN VINEYARDS

The grapes for this outstanding Chardonnay come from the renowned 130-acre Rochioli vineyard in the heart of the Russian River Valley and the Allen vineyard, which is a contiguous property to the south, planted and farmed by the Rochioli family. Rochioli Vineyard (51%); Clones 5, 8, 12 & 15 Allen Vineyard (49%); Clone 76

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.

461 cases