2005 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Russian River Selection
93 points - Wine Spectator
* 26% Rochioli-Allen Vineyards, clones 5, 15 & 76
* 16% Starr Ridge Vineyard, clones 95 and 96
* 14% Aquarius Ranch, clone 4
* 13% Cresta Ridge Vineyard, clones 95 & 76
* 12% Ramal Vineyard Estate (Carneros) clones 17 & 96
* 10% Westside Farms, clone 4
* 4% Bien Nacido Vineyard (Santa Barbara County), J Block, clone 4
* 5% other Russian River Valley Vineyards
WINEMAKING
Overall, the 2005 growing season was long and cool, perfect for developing grapes with good maturity and flavors. There was rain in the spring and early summer, leading to a later than normal harvest. The slow ripening season contributed to the quality of the fruit and the resulting wines show elegance and balance. Both quantity and quality were high, a rare combination.
While Chardonnay from most of these vineyards may often be used in single vineyard designates, our tiniest vineyard sources are also used in the crafting of this Russian River Valley blend. This wine is an example of how individual vineyard nuances express themselves with one another, creating a more complex and intriguing wine. The wine was barrel fermented in 100% French oak, with one third new, one third one year old, and one third two year old. The result is a very crisp, fruit-focused offering, not dominated by excessive oak, buttery character or high alcohol.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
This 2005 Russian River Chardonnay is bursting with aromas of golden delicious apple, honeysuckle and pineapple. The wine exhibits rich, creamy flavors of lemon custard, butterscotch and hints of nutmeg in the mouth followed by citrus zest and notes of hazelnut. This generous offering will pair nicely with rich, creamy cheeses, salads with citrus fruits and sumptuous shellfish dishes.
Bottled: June 5-7, 2006
Winemaker: Gary Farrell/Susan Reed
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 14.2%
Case Production: 5592
Acid/pH: 0.67/3.42
Released: March 2007
Appellation: Russian River Valley
PAST VINTAGES
2004 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley
2003 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley