Production Notes
Varietal Content: 100% Chardonnay; Cooperage: 100% Barrel Fermentation, 100% French Oak, 35% New Oak, 65% Second Vintage
Winemaker Notes
Located in the middle of the Anderson Valley, our Split Rail Vineyard produces small clusters and berries, contributing to a wine with great weight and incredible texture. On the nose, the 2011 vintage reflects the cool growing season with sophisticated minerality and wet flagstone aromas, as well as elegant layers of honeysuckle and peach blossom. This layered complexity is echoed on the palate, where delicate citrus and pear flavors are supported by cool-climate minerality and light toasty oak.
Production
The 2011 growing season was one of the coolest in memory. While unusual spring weather resulted in a smaller crop, the cool season was near perfect for developing pure, intense varietal flavors in our white grapes. Berries were small, and yields were down by 15 to 20 percent, adding to overall concentration and texture. The long, temperate growing season allowed the grapes to develop slowly with our Chardonnay coming in at optimal ripeness with excellent natural acidity, before the October rains.