Varietals:  Chardonnay

Appellation:  Santa Lucia Highlands

Winemaker:  Kent Rosenblum

Winemaking Techniques:  Harvested in late September of 2009, the Chardonnay grapes benefited from Monterey County's long, cool growing season. The ripe and flavorful grapes were gently pressed into a stainless steel tanks for cold-settling before being racked into a combination of new French and American barrels for primary (alcoholic) fermentation. Kept in a climate-controlled room, half of the barrels were then inoculated for malolactic fermentation - allowing us to maintain a good balance between rich and racy textures. Barrel aged for 7 months, this Chardonnay was bottled in late June.

Cases Produced:  278

Tasting Notes:  This tantalizing Chardonnay displays wonderful fruit aromas of ripe Fuji apples and citrus, as well as touch of vanilla and spice. The aromas continue on the palate, while the body is round yet crisp with a subtle buttery finish.

Reviews:  Silver Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition - 2011