2007 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay

After whole-cluster pressing, the juice was racked to barrel for natural primary fermentation. Lees were stirred weekly through April, maintaining freshness and adding texture. We blind-tasted the lots, choosing the most elegant and approachable for this Chardonnay. Once assembled, it settled for five months and was bottled without filtration. Initially a delicate blend of flowers and unripe pineapple (ie only a hint of pineapple and not too tropical). Lightly creamy and mineral. Subtle spice but oak really not dominant. Maybe just a hint of coconut as well as the spice. Those floral notes less evident when you aerate the wine. Powerful, rich and very direct. Oak is clear but fine and balanced. Long and a meal in itself without any heaviness. With time in glass, a hint of honey.  (JH)