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2010 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay This is the inaugural Chardonnay release under Chronicle. My father Jim first planted our family vineyard in 1982, on a 14-acre plateau nestled into the mountain in the cool southwest portion of Sonoma Valley. The vineyard thrived for twenty years under his guidance, until his passing in 2002. I long wanted to produce a wine from that fruit, given the deep connection I have to that site and to my Dad. We harvested in the early morning of October 8th, and it was apparent early that we had amazing balance of fruit, acidity and mineral concentration. In barrel, it took well into spring for the wine to complete primary fermentation, and ML in late July. The cool climate location lends itself perfectly to the style of Chardonnay I prefer - elegant and balanced, crisp and minerally, subtle fruit tones, low in alcohol. The nose is filled with lemon meringue, spice, and hints of first rain. Flavors of lemon and stone fruit are framed by crisp natural acidity and minerality. -84 cases
VINEYARD SOURCE James Creek Estate Vineyard - Wente Clone
WINEMAKING James MacPhail
FERMENTATION / AGING Whole cluster pressed, settled overnight, transferred to barrel for primary and malolactic fermentation. Aged on its lees for 10 months.
BOTTLED 123 cases on September 7, 2011
ALCOHOL 13.1%
This marks my inaugural Chardonnay release under Chronicle. My Dad Jim first planted our home vineyard in 1982, on a 14-acre plateau nestled into the mountain in the cool southwest portion of Sonoma Valley. The vineyard thrived for twenty years under his guidance, until his passing in 2002. I've long wanted to produce a wine from that fruit, given the deep connection I have to that site and to my Dad.
With its cool climate underpinnings, the site also lends itself perfectly to the style of Chardonnay I prefer - elegant and balanced, crisp and minerally, subtle fruit tones, low in alcohol. I am proud of how this first effort turned out.
We harvested in the early morning hours on October 8th. It was apparent early that we had an amazing balance of fruit, acidity and mineral concentration. In barrel, it took well into spring for the wine to complete primary fermentation, and ML in late July.
The nose is filled with lemon meringue, spice, and hints of first rain. Notes of lemon and stone fruit greet the palate, supported by a backbone of natural acidity and minerality revealing the wine's cool origins. Finish is long and contemplative. My early sense is this wine will reward 3-5 years of cellaring. Mike Hengehold ~ Proprietor |