2004 Chardonnay
Carneros
Blend
100% Chardonnay
Production
950 cases of 750ml bottles
The Vintage
Whitehall Lane used the exceptional fruit from a small Chardonnay block in the Sangiacomo Vineyard in Sonoma's Carneros region to make this chardonnay. The warm March weather led to an early budbreak in 2004. The perfect summer weather was fantastic for flavor and sugar development in the grapes. The growing season concluded with an early harvest with grapes maturing approximately two weeks ahead of normal. The Chardonnay grapes were harvested on September 12th when the fruit displayed ripe flavors and ideal balance.
Winemaking
The wine was barrel fermented in 35% new and 65% one-year-old French oak barrels. It was aged on the yeast lees for seven months. Approximately one-third of the wine was put through malo-lactic fermentation to enhance the wine while retaining crispness and varietal characteristics.
Tasting Notes
This offering has complex aromas of lemon, pineapple, some butterscotch and a hint of oak. The wine is medium to full bodied with crisp citrus, apple and fancy oak flavors. It has a long, lingering and flavorful finish.
