Vintage 2002

The excellent 2002 vintage was remarkably even and consistent. Flowering occurred as usual in mid-May, and cool-to-mild temperatures prevailed throughout the growing season, with just a few brief heat spikes. These conditions allowed the grapes to achieve full ripeness and develop intense, balanced flavors.

Vineyards

Approximately 50% of the grapes for our Napa Valley Chardonnay come from the cool Carneros region in the southern tip of Napa Valley, with the balance from vineyards in the warmer portion of the valley. This enables us to produce a Chardonnay with rich, ripe fruit flavors balanced by crisp acidity. In 2002, the grapes from the mid-valley vineyards were harvested between September 10th and September 20th, while the Carneros fruit was picked between September 23rd and October 5th.

Winemaking

Grapes from both regions were hand-harvested in early morning and whole cluster pressed (to ensure the freshest, purest juice), and then cold-settled in tank for 36 hours. Approximately 65% of the juice was fermented in French oak barrels, of which 45% were new barrels, with 35% of the juice fermenting in stainless steel tanks. Multiple yeasts were used to enhance the wine's complexity and roughly 9% of the blend underwent a secondary, malolactic fermentation, which enhances mouth feel and imparts a slightly creamy tone. Sur lie (on the yeast lees) aging for eight months in barrel added texture, depth and intensity to the wine, which was racked off the lees and bottled in early July 2003.

Tasting Notes

Our 2002 Napa Valley Chardonnay offers a fresh, pure aroma of ripe apples and pears with hints of peach, tropical fruits and vanilla cream. On the palate, the wine is youthfully compact and crisp, revealing deep, intense fruit flavors with an appealing flinty, minerally tone. Delightful now, this classic Napa Valley Chardonnay will develop additional bouquet, richness, and complexity with another 18-24 months of bottle age.