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Wine Details
Price:
$48.00 per bottle
Description:
The Thieriot Chardonnay always ferments slowly because the rocky and shallow soil results in a nutrient deficient must. Experience has taught us that the longer the fermentation the better the wine. As we harvested the 2005 Thieriot crop, the 2004 was still in barrel, bubbling away. It finished in early November, more than 13 months after harvest! We never get a large crop from these vines, but it was especially low in 2004. The grape clusters were small and the individual berries were tiny -- always a good sign with Chardonnay, since much of the flavor of the grape is in the skins. When picked, the grapes seemed to be almost bursting with flavor. The finished wine is rich, as it always is from these vines, and it has developed a strong sense of minerality that complements the depth. Look for aromas of lemon peel and toast to accompany the broad palate.
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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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