2009 White Oak Russian River Chardonnay

Tasting Notes: The grapes are brought to the winery and immediately pressed using a gentle bladder press. The freshly pressed Chardonnay juice was settled for 24 hours and then put in French and Hungarian oak barrels to ferment using various yeast strains. Alcohol and malo-lactic fermentations were conducted simultaneously. Barrel aged sur lie and stirred regularly for 10 months. Bottled in July of 2010 and allowed to mature an additional three months in bottle prior to release. This Russian River Chardonnay shows aromas of fresh baked bread, dried apricot, pear and toasty oak. Full bodied, with a mélange of flavors including peach, pear and roasted hazel nut. This Chardonnay finishes long and creamy with the fruit supported by toasty oak.