The 2006 Los Carneros Chardonnay
This lovely wine greets you like an inviting tropical breeze. Typical of the Fantesca Carneros Chardonnays of the past, this white wine exudes fresh scents of grapefruit with hints of lime and fresh-cut pineapple, and a sweet vanillin barrel overtone lends added warmth to these aromatics. The same fresh citrus in the nose is there in the palate, too, delivering tangy, crisp, clean and refreshing fruit flavors and a minerality that is similar to a young Chablis. There is a body and texture to this wine as well, derived from its sur lies aging method and a 1/3 native yeast fermentation. Like the summer tradewinds, this restless Carneros Chardonnay can really fan the flames of delight as it evolves in your glass. Its playful, tropical ripeness is definitely a taste of California on the entry, yet its structure and refined power in the finish says Burgundy.
The fruit for this wine is blended from three separate vineyards in the Carneros hills. Our family and winemaker personally selected the rows of grapes that go into this wine, which was barrel-fermented in 45% new French Burgundy barrels for a duration of 10 months. The wine was aged sur lies and stirred every two weeks for a total of 8 times. A 30% malolactic fermentation completes the blend.
| Varietal | 100% Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2006 |
| Appellation | Los Carneros |
| Winemakers | Nils and Kirk Venge |
| Alcohol | 14.4% |
| Released | April, 2008 |
| Cases produced |
670 |
Retail Price $45
