1997 J Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

Return to Wine Library

Winemaker's Notes
The 1997 harvest began for us earlier than most years. The weather was hot early and the fruit matured fast which kept the natural acids up and we had good balance as a result. There was even rain before we finished harvest. It was a large crop and it seemed like the trucks just kept coming. The fruit proved to be very agreeable and the wines are showing well.

The 1997 Chardonnay—our first—is somewhat of a hybrid style: Chablis with a California twist. It draws on the mineral qualities of Chablis with a bit of chamomile and there is a hint of oak and honey yet not typical of most California Chardonnays.

The Vineyard
Comprised of 100% Chardonnay from a combination of two vineyards in the Russian River Valley: a bit of elegance from Nick & Nonny's Vineyard and bright floral flavors from our River Road Vineyard.

Processing
Selected grape clusters were hand harvested into twenty-five pound lugs and hand-loaded, whole cluster, into our Coquard press for a gentle pressing cycle.

Ageing
The wine aged in 100% French Oak barrels for 15 months.

Tasting Notes
Aromas of honeysuckle, orange blossoms, butterscotch, Fuji apples, white sage, chamomile, and ginger. Hint of oak and smoke. Flavors of ripe pear, green fig, caramel, and citrus. Texture is sensual, creamy and rich, full bodied yet crisp and flinty with a lingering mineral finish. Multi-layered. Good balance.

Harvest: August 30 - September 11, 1997

Harvest Analysis: Average Brix 22.6°

Final Analysis: Alcohol 13.5% by volume

Bottling Date: December 10, 1998