2006 Chardonnay
Carneros
Alcohol 13.5% | Total Acidity .55 | pH: 3.62

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Awarded Best of Class
2007 Sonoma County Harvest Fair
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  Wine Notes [PDF]

TASTING NOTES | Aromas of peach, pear and green apple define this wine’s wonderfully fragrant nose. On the palate, the wine is supple and long, with a clean and satisfying finish. Enjoy with fried calamari, scallops in a light curry sauce, crab cakes, filet of sole with almonds, or turkey panini.
 
VINTAGE | The 2006 vintage was truly a year won in the vineyard. A heat spike that lasted a record 10 days in July had growers nervous about sunburn on the ripening grapes. In our Chardonnay vineyards we try to avoid leafing and instead use the canopy to protect the grapes from direct sun exposure and high temperatures. This technique allows the grapes to ripen slower and produce concentrated flavors. The Carneros region experienced rains late in the season leaving some vintners struggling with Botrytis. Luckily, our vineyard team brought our Chardonnay in before the rain preserving the excellent quality of the fruit.

WINEMAKING | The cool Carneros climate gives us Chardonnay with bright fruit flavors and natural acidity. All of the fruit was whole cluster pressed before cold barrel fermentation. We fermented and aged the wine in oak barrels for eight months. The traditional practice of batonnage was used to build body, texture and to integrate flavors. We racked, blended and bottled the wine in June of 2007.

BENZIGER FARMING PRACTICES | At Benziger Family Winery, we are dedicated to winemaking that reveals the true character of the vineyard, the varietal and the vintage in certified-sustainable, -organically grown and-Biodynamic® wines defined by individuality and the passion of the people who make them. Through our commitment to natural farming and environmentally and socially responsible business practices, we strive for sustainability and the preservation of our Sonoma Mountain family winery for generations to come.

This wine was made with grapes grown by sustainable farming methods. Our sustainable philosophy promotes natural vineyard management, restoration of the land and biodiversity on the estate. We believe these practices result in wines that reflect the authentic flavors, aromas and character of the vineyard.