WINEMAKING Grown 700-1,800 feet above sea level, this three-ridge Chardonnay is a remarkable representation of Alexander Mountain terroir. A blend of our Upper Barn, Red Point and Broken Road vineyards, this wine carries a signature element from each; Red Point’s unique minerality, Broken Road’s complex and bright fruit character and Upper Barn’s majestic, balanced finish. Gentle grape pressing was followed by a 63% mix of French oak barrel and 37% small stainless tank fermentations. Native yeast drove a portion of the fermentation giving the finished wine more complexity, texture and nutty aromatics. Malolatic fermentation was employed to further the wine’s richness and balance. Spring rains lasted two months longer than usual which took us well into June. The rare weather pattern allowed for an atypically long bloom yielding a near-perfect crop set on Alexander Mountain Estate. Summer and fall were comfortable and uneventful which provided time for our late blooming vines to fully ripen their grapes. As October set in, the dry, moderate weather continued to act in our favor as we completed what turned out to be the longest, latest and richest harvest in our books. “Look for fresh apples, complex mineral and creamy lemon-lime flavors on the palate. Tropical notes and ripe peach aromatics are followed by a solid, lengthy finish.” – Graham Weerts, Winemaker
S TAT I S T I C S Apellation Alexander Valley Varietal Composition 100% Estate Chardonnay Fermentaion 63% barrel fermented with Native and Inoculated yeasts Barrel Regime 6 months in 65% French oak barrels, 30% new Alcohol 14.6% Acidity .59g/100ml pH 3.58 Bottled July 2006 Vineyard Elevation 700 – 1,800 feet
