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Wine Details
Price:
$26.00 per bottle
Description:
By 2003, the closely-spaced plantings of Dijon clones growing on the hillsides of our estate vineyards no longer deserve to be called new. That is evident in the unusually rich mid-palate and classic flavors of this vintage. It suggests sweetness where there is no sugar. Sure, it’s showing the subtle aromas of citrus, guava and mango in addition to those of dried flowers and minerals that have distinguished our previous Chardonnays. However, it is the paradox of a delicate aroma in a big wine that identifies the grape as a noble variety. Extract like this is an immediately appealing characteristic available only in the finest Chardonnays. If you buy enough to age some for six to eight years, you will be rewarded with a toasty hazelnut aroma along with increased minerality and even more weight on the palate. Tasting it now suggests pairing with a fresh halibut steak lightly sauced with freshly made ponzu or a reduced wine based drizzle. Or try chicken with pasta and lemon sauce or olive oil, or even vegetables grilled with a little smoked duck. The imagination is the only limit. The wine is quite versatile.
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Varietal Definition
Chardonnay:
Chardonnay is by far the most widely planted grape crop in California and dominates California’s cooler, coastal, quality wine regions. The natural varietal ‘taste and smell’ of Chardonnay is surprisingly unfamiliar to many wine drinkers, as its true character is often guised with dominating winemaking signatures. Chardonnay’s rather subdued primary fruit characteristics lean toward the crisp fruitiness of apples, pears and lemon, but the variety’s full body is capable of supporting a host of complementary characteristics, such as oak, butter and vanilla. Regardless of what is the appropriate style for Chardonnay, the varietal continues to dominate vineyard plantings in every corner of the world. Close attention to clonal selection has made this broad geographic and climactic range of Chardonnay viable in thoughtful viticultural hands.
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