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1998 Arrowood
Chardonnay Sonoma County Region/Origin: Sonoma County Residual Sugar: Dry Total Acid: .85g per 100ml/.42g per 100ml Alcohol: 13.8% by volume Final pH: 3.65 Blend: 100% Chardonnay Winemaker's NotesChardonnays versatility has made it the most popular white grape in California. Its ability to adapt to a wide range of growing conditions and appellations means that it produces wines ranging in style from crisp and austere to fat and overbearing. Our model for Chardonnay is the great Mersault of France. That kind of quality and character requires us to look for grapes grown in very specific Sonoma County micro-climates that mimic the cool conditions found in Burgundy. Thankfully, Sonoma County is blessed with vineyards that produce similarly intense flavors and complexity with a crisp balancing acidity. VintageThe effects of El Nio helped to provide a long, cool growing season in 1998. Long hang-time on the vines and a surprisingly warm Indian Summer meant that all of our Chardonnay was picked fully ripe and mature, with extremely concentrated and intricate flavors. The majority of the grapes for this Chardonnay came from the Russian River Valley, with smaller amounts from Sonoma and Alexander Valleys. Fermentation & Aging The key to classic Chardonnay is forward fruit flavors and a rich, balanced mouth-feel. All of our Chardonnay lots were barrel fermented and aged sur lie in new and seasoned French oak barrels. They all underwent malo-lactic fermentation to impart an even more voluptuous and fleshy mouth-feel. All of the individual lots were then tasted, blended and bottled without sterile filtration so as not to remove any of the wines natural complexity. The result is a fleshy Chardonnay with aromas of pear, apricot and lemon, and hints of tropical fruit, fresh hay and nutmeg. Flavors are fresh and clean, with a rich varietal fruit character and a cinnamon spice note in the lingering toasty finish. While oak is definitely present, its flavors are cleanly balanced and integrated, making for a wine that should age splendidly over the next ten years. |
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Arrowood > Our Wines > Archives > Winemaker's Notes | |||
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