Whitehall Lane Carneros Chardonnay (Screw Cap)

The Vintage: The 2009 growing season was near perfect in Carneros. The cool, mild and dry summer slowed the maturation process and allowed the fruit to attain bountiful flavors into October. The fruit was hand-harvested from the Sangiacomo Vineyards in two passes on October 3rd and October 8th 2009, well ahead of the first rains of the season.

Winemaking: The wine was barrel fermented in 75% French Burgundian oak barrels and 25 % stainless steel barrels and aged on the lees for just under 10 months. Approximately three-quarters of the wine was put through malo-lactic fermentation to enhance the body of the wine.

Tasting Notes: This wine has a brilliant golden color and enticing aromas of honey, poached pear and allspice. These aromas meld with flavors of baked apple and citrus notes that are beautifully framed by toasty oak and butterscotch. It is nicely balanced with ample weight and a lengthy clean finish.