1997 Chardonnay, Carneros
Vintage
1997
Price
$13
Release Date
January 1999
Appellation
Carneros
Availability
Select Markets Nationally
Vineyards
- Carneros - Ricci, Yamakawa, Vin del Sol, Bryton, Leveroni, Sangiacomo
- (El Novilero,Kiser,Palmer,Tall Grass,Pear,Apple Patch,Corn Patch,Southern Sonoma
- Chalk Hill - Moss Oak
- Russian River - Syar
- Napa Valley - Yount Mill
- Sonoma Valley - Sunnyslope
Grapes
100% Chardonnay
Vintage
1997 was marked by extreme weather shifts from high temperatures nearing the 100 degree mark to rain in August. We employed stringent vineyard management, including aggressive leaf pulling, and crop thinning, both at verasion and again after the August rains to ensure the quality of the grapes to be harvested. The result was a harvest of beautifully ripened fruit with complex flavors and strong acid structure.
Vinification
Grapes from the 18 blocks were culled at harvest and each lot was individually cold (53° Fahrenheit) barrel-fermented for about five weeks prior to aging on the lees for eight months, in 85% American and 15% French oak barrels. 50% underwent spontaneous malolactic fermentation. The wines were blended and bottled in August, 1998. Alcohol 13.4%, total acidity .54, pH 3.52, .12 residual sugar. 65,428 cases produced.
Tasting Notes
Tropical and sweet citrus with forward vanilla, butter and toasted oak aromas. Wonderfully rich mouthfeel with good structure and bright tropical flavors. Smooth finish with good length.