2006 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Cresta Ridge Vineyard

94 points, Editor's Choice - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
91 points - Wine News
90 points - Wine Spectator
90 points, Best Buy - Connoisseur's Guide to CA Wine

GRAPE SOUCE
Cresta Ridge Vineyard was developed by Gary and Debbie Farrell in 1999. This property is located in Sebastopol within the Green Valley sub appellation of the Russian River Valley. Sixteen acres are planted to Pinot Noir, Dijon cones 115 and 777 and four acres are planted to Chardonnay, Dijon clones 95 and 76. These clones were selected for their favorable flavor profiles, moderate yields and small berry and cluster size. Though the vines are only seven years old, through meticulous vineyard management and care, Cresta Ridge is rapidly becoming one of our most popular and highly acclaimed Chardonnays.

WINEMAKING
Green Valley, the coolest of the Russian River Valley sub-appellations, allows for extremely long maturation time, providing wonderful intensity and complexity to the fruit profile. As with all of our Chardonnays, we select a minimum of three strains of yeast for primary fermentation which adds complexity to the fruit profile of the vineyard. This wine was 100% barrel fermented in French oak barrels (1/3 new). The wine was aged sur lie, underwent full malolactic fermentation and was matured in barrel for 7 months.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
This 2006 Cresta Ridge Chardonnay exhibits aromas of orange blossom, citrus zest and toffee. Luscious honeydew and spiced pear flavors are enhanced by subtle mineral notes. Brimming with vibrant acidity and freshness, this wine has incredible complexity, moderately toasty notes of oak and generous mouthfeel. This Chardonnay shows great balance with a lingering, crisp finish.

Bottled: June 7, 2007
Winemaker: Gary Farrell/Susan Reed
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 14.1%
Case Production: 307
Acid/pH: 0.57/3.41
Released: June 2008
Appellation: Russian River Valley

PAST VINTAGES
2005 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Cresta Ridge Vineyard
2004 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Cresta Ridge Vineyard
2003 Chardonnay - Russian River Valley / Cresta Ridge Vineyard