Library Wines
2009 Monticello Vineyards Estate Grown Chardonnay
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Print: Tasting Notes
This 100% Chardonnay displays wonderfully juicy aromas of fresh and ripe tropical fruits. The aromas are beaming like a crisp sunrise over a ripe fig orchard. On the palate the wine is full in texture yet has a nice beam of acidity that keeps it structured and in balance. The finish is full and lingering. Once again, I find that we gain structure and depth from the barrel fermented portion of the blend and finesse and aromatic complexity from the tank fermented components. Balancing the winemaking techniques of the individual lots helps us attain the overall balance that we seek in all of our wines.
– Chris Corley, Winemaker -
Vineyard:
Knollwood Vineyard - Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District
Our Chardonnay vineyard in the Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley is planted with four different clones of Chardonnay (our Heirloom Clones and Dijon Clones #76, #95, #96) plant to 420A rootstock, 101-14 and 5c from which we produce Chardonnay grapes with rich bright fruit flavors. Soils are Pleasanton and Yolo Series Loam.
Our Monticello Vineyards designated Chardonnays are a great example of how the different clones, rootstock, and soil combinations specific to our vineyard create a most harmonious wine. In the blend, we have wine from each Chardonnay block on our Estate. As each of these blocks has a different character, we take a slightly different winemaking approach. Some, we have utilized malolactic fermentation; others have received a higher percentage of new oak. Most were fermented with native yeasts from our vineyard and cellar. All the grapes were pushed to full ripeness and the rich flavors and aromas are evidence. We have put together a wine that, while rich and satisfying, still maintains a balanced and appropriate acidity for pairing with a wide variety of foods.
The wine was fermented in new French Oak and stainless steel (about 50/50) and aged for 14 months in new and neutral French Oak Barrels (about 1/3 new).
Oak: 14 Months in French Oak
Alcohol: 14.1% -
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