2008 Vintner Select Chardonnay
The final white wine to be released from the 2008 vintage is our Vintner Select Chardonnay. 2008 yielded only 1.5 tons from this 1.1 acre block, and only ninety-eight cases of wine were produced. Picked on September 13th and September 16th, the grapes were gently pressed to yield richly flavored juice that was fermented in 40% new and 60% neutral French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation was permitted, and the barrels were stirred weekly to build mouthfeel. Beginning with the 2007 vintage and continuing with this incarnation, we have striven for a balance between opulence and elegance, tapering back slightly on the oak and malolactic expression to allow the fruit to take on more presence. The result is a lovely wine expressing seductive pear, apple, melon and narcissus notes enhanced by subtle minerality and a mouth-coating texture that lingers.
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Profile
| Appellation: | Sonoma County |
|---|---|
| Vintage: | 2008 |
| Harvest: | October 2008 |
| Fermentation: | French Oak |
| Cooperage: | French Oak |
| Blend: | 100% Chardonnay |
| Alcohol: | 15% |
| Bottling: | July 2009 |
| Production: | 98 cases |
| Release Date: | February 2010 |
| Price: | $47.00 |
- June 23, 2010 California Grapevine, June/July 2010
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Rating: 90
Medium-light to medium golden yellow; attractive, assertive, toasty, pear, tangerine, and ripe melon aroma with notes of butterscotch and roasted hazelnut and a floral hint of honeysuckle; full body, initially plush, citrusy, pear and melon flavors tending to tighten on the finish; lingering aftertaste. Very highly recommended.
- June 23, 2010 Connoisseur’s Guide June 2010
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Rating: 93
A very open, fruity, oaky wine with rich, expressive aromas and a full and balanced personality on the palate, this youngster has it all. Its broad, viscous entry impressions are followed by bright and slightly piquant flavors of ripe apples, green apples and a hint of apple blossoms aligned in layers of fruit and richness, and it follows through to a long and engaging finish that is dominated by fruit despite a touch of heat.
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