Chamisal Chardonnay Stainless

Description

The Vineyard This vintage was sourced from a number of coastally influenced vineyards ranging from Monterey County to San Luis Obispo. The common theme amongst these vineyards is cool climate, elevated sites with well drained sedimentary soils and naturally limited yields.Vintage 2013 started with a dry winter that yielded only 8.5 inches of rain. A warm February initiated an early budbreak, and a continuing warmer-than-average growing season culminated in an early harvest. The dry weather and consistently warm temperatures through summer and fall with no heat waves allowed grapes to hang until optimum ripeness. This is a stunning vintage.Winemaking The fruit was processed as soon as possible after picking and pressed cool to preserve freshness. The juice was racked to tank for a 24-hour period of cold settling, then it was racked to another stainless steel tank for a long, cool, carefully controlled fermentation, utilizing a number of different yeast strains to add complexity to the wine. Following fermentation, the wine was immediately racked off the lees, stabilized and bottled to capture the pure essence of the Chardonnay varietal.Clonal Selection The majority of this Chardonnay is made from Clones 4 and 5, two nearly identical clones that provide ample aromatics of crisp apple, tropical fruit and a keen acidity that is vital in an unoaked Chardonnay. Smaller amounts of Dijon Clones 75, 76 and 96 provide accents of minerality, nuttiness and a lush mid-palate.Tasting Notes Tropical aromatics of juicy Mandarin, ripe kiwi and mango are highlighted by hints of apple blossom, lemon drop and refreshing minerality. The palate echoes the nose, revealing the Stainless winemaking with its round, weighty mouthfeel. Crisp acidity and flavors of white peach, pineapple and key lime pie filling round out the clean, lingering finish. – Chamisal Vineyards