Fall Release Chloe Chardonnay
2006

Winemaker’s Notes

The most approachable and obviously rich of our 2006 designate chardonnays, our new chloe offering shows great harmony between the site’s old-vine broad concentration and the vintage’s tendency toward inward structure. There’s plenty of spiky, flinty complexity in the aromatic profile, but when the extravagant fruit richness kicks in, the wine’s generosity takes control. Harvested at slightly lower maturity than previous years to preserve acidity, this release is most similar to our 2002 bottling, a wine which continues to offer great textural viscosity, but with the accompanying freshness and complex subtlety which is the strongpoint of the vineyard. The flavors are quite reminiscent of the beautiful 2005 bottling as opposed to the overtly explosive 2004 warm-season release. This is the designate chardonnay to drink first before taking the clare or isobel out for a spin. Light green-gold color. Precise aromas of flint, smoke and intense citrus. Initially taut and mineral-driven with vibrant pear and sweet lime notes. With aeration the wine’s inherent richness comes forth with deeply concentrated orchard fruit flavors and textural creaminess, yet it retains constant poise and elegance throughout. Gently decant immediately prior to serving to capture the wine’s building richness and drink over 5 to 6 years. Serve no cooler than 55 degrees.

Andy Smith Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner

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