2014 CHARDONNAY
WINE DETAILS
| retail price: | $30.00 |
| club price: | n/a |
| available: | Yes |
| cases: | 651 |
| formats: | 750mL ,1.5L |
| released: | Jun 1, 2017 |
| date profiled: | Aug 18, 2017 |
| region: | Northern California |
| AVA: | Bennett Valley |
| vineyards: | Frostwatch Vineyard |
| estate fruit: | Yes |
| single vineyard: | Yes |
| brix at harvest: | 23.9° |
| alcohol: | 14.8% |
| fined: | Yes |
| filtered: | No |
| oak type: | 100% Fermented in Oak |
| oak barrels: | 31% New |
| oak aging: | 17 Months |
| varietal | % | AVA | clone |
|---|---|---|---|
| chardonnay | 83% | Bennett Valley | |
| chardonnay | 17% | Bennett Valley |
Winemaker Brett Raven Notes
: The grapes were whole cluster pressed and then barrel fermented utilizing indigenous yeast. After the 30 day primary fermentation was complete, malolactic fermentation utilizing indigenous malolactic bacteria proceeded and finished in early March of 2015. During the six months the wine was going through primary and malolactic fermentation, the barrels were topped, stirred and topped weekly. The purpose of topping the barrel prior to stirring is to minimize oxidation. The frequent stirring heightens the sur lees character of the wine and acts to better integrate the oak notes from the barrels with the wine. The wine was fermented and aged in 31% new French oak and 38% once used French oak and 31% neutral French oak for 17 months. The wine ...more... was fined and bottled unfiltered on April 14th 2016.
Tasting Notes: The 2014 vintage (like the 2012 and 2013 vintages) was an excellent vintage in Bennett Valley. The growing season was long with moderate temperatures and very low disease pressure in the vineyard. As with other Frostwatch Chardonnays, this wine is a blend of two different clonal selections. Clone 4 contributes a full mouthfeel with loads of red apple fruit, while fruit from the Platt-Wente Block contributes vibrant citrus notes and a touch of minerality. This wine continues to improve with additional bottle aging and still has yet to reach its full potential. The wine pairs well with a variety of foods, however it is rich and complex enough to drink beautifully on its own. The wine recently received a 91 from James Laube of The Wine Spectator.
PH | 707.570.0592
