2008 CHARDONNAY - RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY | STARR RIDGE VINEYARD

The 2008 Starr Ridge Chardonnay has a lemon-green color with medium intensity and bright clarity in appearance. The developing nose shows notes of white peach, fresh nectarine and orange citrus peel. Additional layers showing bread dough, roasted nuts, butter and vanilla cream along with white flowers and a stony mineral character, add complexity. The palate mimics the nose and shows an additional note of lemon candy with medium acidity, body, flavor intensity and length. The creamy viscosity and refreshing acidity will pair well with lighter proteins (fish or chicken) and butter or cream sauces. (Tasted August, 2010)

This 24 acre parcel is located in the hills directly across from the Russian River, and approximately seven miles south of the town of Healdsburg. In 1996, a portion of this vineyard was planted to Chardonnay. Dijon Clones 95 and 96 were selected for their favorable flavor profiles, small cluster and berry size, and moderate yields.

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.

Cases Produced: 377

Release Date: September 1, 2010