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Wild Oak Vineyard
91 Pts | International Women's Wine Competition | May 2021
Gold Medal | International Women's Wine Competition | May 2021
Tasting Notes
This medium-bodied white opens with aromatics of fresh pineapple and melon. A toasty hint of gram cracker and fresh-cut straw mingle in the back of the bouquet. A supple mouthfeel, adorned with hints of honeydew and hazelnut creme, is wrapped in a mineral-rich acidity toned by bright buttery undertones lingering in the finish.
Vintage Notes
We began our 2019 harvest before dawn on August 30. After a growing season that started in winter with record rainfall, the year ended with warm, even temperatures throughout summer. With few spikes in heat over the period, our vineyards had optimal conditions to develop full-flavored fruit with remarkable color and balanced acidity. Spring rains ended in time for good fruit set. The temperate summer allowed for long hang times and consistent, even ripening. We picked the majority of our fruit in September and the weather continued to cooperate. Warm breezy days, but fortunately no rain took place in October and the last of the grapes were harvested before the end of the month.
Vineyard Notes
Our Estate Wild Oak vineyard was planted to four different Chardonnay clones in order to offer a variety of complexity through aromas & textures. For this vintage, 64% is clone 76 which produces a spicer more mineral-driven Chardonnay, and 36% clone 95 which adds a richness in the mouthfeel and a touch of tropical notes.
Winemaker Notes
Each clone is picked & fermented separately in barrel. Hand stirring occurs 2x/week after alcoholic fermentation, and when mouthfeel + acidity are in balance malolactic fermentation is halted & the wine begins its elevage period. The wine stays in barrel for 8 months without racking, until the final blend is created right before bottling.
