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2005 J Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
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The Vineyards
The 2005 J Chardonnay bottling is a crisp, fruit driven wine that is the definitive expression of Chardonnay from three blocks of our estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley. With a diverse clonal selection at Eastside Ranch, Clone 76’s aromatics, minerality and apple notes are the hallmarks of past bottlings. At Nonny’s Vineyard, the Old Wente Clone adds structure and mid-palate richness, while the Clone 4 adds complexity and balance.
Processing
Whole grape clusters were hand-harvested when fruit flavor and acidity achieved a natural balance and then pressed gently in J's Coquard whole-cluster press. This unique gentle press minimizes the extraction of harsh components from the skins of the grapes. Free-run juice and press fraction juices were fermented separately.
Aging
Twenty-five percent of the juice was fermented and aged in 60-gallon French oak barrels and was allowed to go through malolactic fermentation. These barrels were stirred regularly to promote a sur lie character. The remaining juice fermented and aged at cool temperatures in both stainless steel tanks and neutral (old) oak casks. This careful mix of oak and stainless steel fermentation allows us to consistently capture the essence of the Chardonnay grape and the character of the Russian River Valley appellation.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of white peaches, lime citrus and green apple are the first to burst from the glass. Hints of wet stone interact with touches of vanilla and exotic elements of pineapple, mango, and coconut to form this exquisite bouquet. Rich and seamless, the palate offers fresh green apple, pear and tropical fruits with a lush mouth feel overlaid by a buoyant lemon zest finish of exceptional length and complexity.
Harvest: September 29 – October 7, 2005
Final Analysis: Alcohol 14.8% by volume
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Bottling Date: January 15, 2007
2,200 cases produced
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