Tech Notes
YIELD: 2.2 tons per acre
HARVEST: September 22nd-October 5th
NUMBERS @ HARVEST: 22.5 Brix, 3.43 pH, 7.5 grams acidity
BARREL REGIMEN: French Oak 50% new; 50% one year
100% Barrel Fermented; 100% Malolactic; aged 10 months on the lees
BOTTLING: July 2011
Alcohol: 14.2%
Tasting Notes
Release Date: Fall 2013
2010 was a perfect growing year for Chardonnay on our mountain top. The winter was very cold and the rains persisted into early spring resulting in a three week delay of bud break. Although this may seem a little esoteric to many, bud break is the official start of the growing season and it can set the tone for the vintage.
With the late start, 2010 ripened into late September under cool autumnal skies. This is what created its specialness: the combination of a moderate yield and a cool, slow finish to complete development.
The style of this vintage is exactly what I desire: pale lemon color; subtle, complex aromas of bread yeast, lanolin, and gardenia flower. Penetrating yet light on the palate, this Chardonnay has a delicious combination of soil and leesy reduction flavors giving lift and interest. As always, a lengthy aftertaste indicates a long life in the wine cellar. Three years after harvest, the 2010 Estate Chardonnay is just starting to “kick in”. Time will tell but this might be one of our best vintages in the last ten years.
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