2004 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Westside Farms
GRAPE SOURCEGrowers Ron and Pam Kaiser produce premium quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on their 40 acre vineyard on Westside Road along the banks of the Russian River. The Chardonnay is a particular favorite of Gary’s. The deep, river-deposited sandy loam soils, where the cool evenings prolong the ripening process, yield elegant, intense fruit.
WINEMAKING
The grapes were hand picked at 24 brix of sugar in the cool morning hours. The fruit was then hand sorted and whole cluster pressed. The solids in the juice were allowed to settle overnight before the “clean“ juice was transferred to the finest French oak barrels. This wine was entirely barrel fermented with select yeast strains used to preserve its aromatics and fresh character. As with all of our Chardonnays, this wine was sur-lie aged for 10 months and hand stirred weekly to add richness and complexity. Malolactic fermentation was encouraged in 100% of the barrels. This is a solid wine of great balance and fruit expression.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Delicate aromas of apple blossom, fresh apricots and a nuance of toasty oak perfume the nose. The fruit character deepens in the mouth, creating continuity between the nose and the palate. The structure holds firm with ample acidity, yet retains richness and suppleness. Its crisp structure and fresh finish make it a tremendous accompaniment to a wide variety of foods.
Bottled: June 20, 2005
Winemaker: Gary Farrell
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 14.3%
Case Production: 291
Acid/pH: 0.73/3.32
Released: June 1, 2006
Appellation: Russian River Valley
PAST VINTAGES
2003 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Westside Farms2002 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Westside Farms