2004 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Starr Ridge Vineyard

GRAPE SOURCE
Owned by Gary and Debbie Farrell, this 24-acre parcel is located in the hills directly across the Russian River from the Rochioli Vineyard, and approximately seven miles south of the town of Healdsburg. In 1996, a portion of this vineyard was planted to Chardonnay. Dijon Clones 95 and 96 were selected for their favorable flavor profiles, small cluster and berry size, and moderate yields.

WINEMAKING
Grapes for this wine were harvested in late August with an average sugar content of 23.9º brix, 7.0 gm/L titratable acidity, and 3.37 pH. Each clone was picked, processed, and barrel fermented separately to evaluate their individual attributes. Clone 95 produces very small clusters and berries; thus a high skin to juice ratio. The resulting wine has amazing flavor intensity and tremendous structure. Clone 96 has slightly larger clusters and berries and produced a more fleshy, viscous wine. We chose to blend 39% clone 95 with 61% clone 96 to create the most complex and complete wine.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
This wine exudes enticing aromas of fresh green apples, lemon zest and toffee, and fills the mouth with luscious, fruit-focused flavors of baked apples, lemon curd and well-integrated sweet oak. This wonderfully complex Chardonnay has brilliant acidity, a lingering finish and will compliment the rich flavors of mild shellfish, cheese dishes and recipes using sweet spices.

Bottled: June 2005
Winemaker: Gary Farrell
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 14.2%
Case Production: 396
Acid/pH: 0.69/3.36
Released: September 2006
Appellation: Russian River Valley

PAST VINTAGES
2003 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Starr Ridge Vineyard
2002 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Starr Ridge Vineyard