2005 Chardonnay from Lucia Highland Vineyard Vineyard in Monterey

Fermentation

Hand harvested fruit was immediately pressed into stainless steel tanks to settle for 72 hours prior to being transferred to a combination of French oak barrels and stainless steel tank for fermentation. After the completion of primary fermentation, the young wine was allowed to go through 100 percent malolactic fermentation to add complexity and a supple mouthfeel.

Cooperage

No cooperage notes added

The Vineyards

The Lucia Highland Vineyard is located in the northern, coolest part of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. Moderately warm and breezy days are followed by cool evenings and foggy mornings, ideal conditions for intensely flavorful Chardonnays.

The Growing Season

Due to a warmer and wetter winter than usual, Chardonnay was in full budbreak by February 28th, a very early start to the growing season. From May through August we saw below average summer temperatures with the warmest days only reaching the mid 80’s. This slowed maturation in the vineyard to a snails pace but extended “hang-time” on the vine resulting in a very good vintage.