2002 J Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

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The Vineyards
The grapes for this Chardonnay came from our Estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley.

Processing
Whole grape clusters were hand-harvested, then pressed gently in J’s Coquard whole-cluster press. This uniquely gentle press minimizes the extraction of harsh components from the skins of the grapes. Free-run juice and press fraction juices were fermented separately.

Ageing
Twenty five percent of the juice was fermented and aged in 60-gallon French oak barrels, the resulting wine was allowed to undergo a partial malolactic fermentation. The remaining juice fermented at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks. Fifty percent of the wine fermented in stainless steel tanks went into an oak cask for aging. The other half was left in stainless steel tanks until blended for bottling. After bottling, the wine aged for an additional nine months in the bottles.

Tasting Notes
Sun drenched hay, butterscotch, and light tropical aromas of pineapple and papaya along with citrus and jasmine flowers invite you to take your first sip. A sensual creaminess greets you on the palate, beaming with lush papaya and honeydew flavors that balance out well with the flintiness and light lemon-lime citrus notes on the long finish. Begging one for another sip.

Harvest: August 28 – September 19, 2002

Final Analysis: Alcohol 14.6% by volume

100 % Russian River Valley, Sonoma County

750 cases produced