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Chardonnay, Carneros ion

Chardonnay, Carneros Selection Wine Details
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Description: 2001 was one of those special vintages, and the wine is truly sensational. The nose is exquisite, with aromas of vanilla, butterscotch, tropical fruit, green apple, caramel, and oak. In the mouth it is full and round, with notes of citrus, honeysuckle, toasted almonds, and a lingering finish. As always, we avoided malolactic fermentation, resulting in a crisp, refreshing Chardonnay with a perfect balance of body and elegance. This wine pairs beautifully with grilled salmon, but for a taste of heaven, enjoy it with fresh sea bass and russet potatoes roasted with olive oil, garlic and fresh mushrooms. Mmmmmm . . . .

Varietal Definition
Chardonnay:
Chardonnay is by far the most widely planted grape crop in California and dominates California’s cooler, coastal, quality wine regions. The natural varietal ‘taste and smell’ of Chardonnay is surprisingly unfamiliar to many wine drinkers, as its true character is often guised with dominating winemaking signatures. Chardonnay’s rather subdued primary fruit characteristics lean toward the crisp fruitiness of apples, pears and lemon, but the variety’s full body is capable of supporting a host of complementary characteristics, such as oak, butter and vanilla. Regardless of what is the appropriate style for Chardonnay, the varietal continues to dominate vineyard plantings in every corner of the world. Close attention to clonal selection has made this broad geographic and climactic range of Chardonnay viable in thoughtful viticultural hands.


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