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1998 Chardonnay, Sangiacomo Vineyards, Carneros

Vintage

Sangiacomo and Chardonnay go together. At Benziger, we purchase a great deal of Sangiacomo Chardonnay from eight different vineyard blocks. This Chardonnay comes from the Pear and Apple Blocks located on the Home Ranch in Northern Carneros. The wines from these blocks have rich mouthfeel and very complex flavors. The goal of each vintage is to capture the unique character of Sangiacomo Vineyard.

Vinification

The fruit was sorted twice in the vineyard to make certain only sound clusters made it to the crusher. The juice was cold barrel fermented and put through complete malolactic fermentation. Even after malolactic fermentation the wine exhibits crisp acidity while maintaining good intensity of flavor and a smooth texture. Alcohol 13.6%, total acidity .65, pH 3.60, residual sugar .17. 420 cases produced.

Tasting Notes

This wine shows multi-layered flavors and a real sense of place, bright tropical fruit, butterscotch and floral aromas in the nose. In the mouth crisp and intense fruit with a hint of clove and a toasted buttery texture give way to a long creamy finish. Enjoyable on release and should age well for several years. Best with seafood, chicken and even pork chops.