Sonoma County, CA ($50)
by Andrew Chalk
Grapes from the Olivet Lane Vineyard comprise this chardonnay. Two thirds of the grapes in the vineyard are chardonnay, using the Wente clone.
Key features of the winemaking process are: Grapes harvested early in the morning before the fog lifts. Brought into the winery, whole clusters are hand-sorted then pressed. Barrel fermented with primary and malolactic fermentations and lees stirring followed by French oak barrel ageing
for 18 months. One racking takes place and it is just prior to bottling.
Appearance: Medium straw;
Nose: Peaches, honey, apricots;
Palate: Peaches, residual sweetness signals on the tongue, medium acid, French oak;
Sample