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.