Harvest Date
October 11-21, 2010
Harvest Brix
25.2
TA
7.2 grams/liter
pH
3.57
Alcohol
14.6%
Bottling Date
January 31, 2012
Production
784 cases
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands
Lucia Highlands Vineyard is located in the northern region of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation of Monterey County and a stone's throw across the road from our winery. Its proximity to the cool maritime influences of the Monterey Bay allows the fruit to ripen slowly, producing a luscious Chardonnay with intense, up-front tropical fruit flavors and a round, seductive texture.
Someone forgot to tell Mother Nature about global warming in the Santa Lucia Highlands. For yet another year – this now makes six in a row – we experienced extremely cool growing conditions that delayed harvest until late October. The culprit was stubborn of La Nina where the ocean water temperatures were substantially below normal resulting in cool, dry winds. Patience was the name of the game and inclement weather held off until all the fruit fully ripened. Thirty years of winemaking and raising four boys has taught me this.
Handpicked fruit was gently pressed and barrel fermented in tight grain French oak from selected coopers. Malolactic fermentation was employed to soften the acidity and created a round, buttery character. Allowed to barrel age "sur lees" for eleven months with frequent stirring, this wine possesses a well-balanced structure and stylish complexity.
Our seventh vintage of the Lucia Highlands Vineyard Chardonnay is characteristically rich and elegant, offering butter, prailine ice cream, with deeply concentrated layers of apple, ripe pear, and pineapple, and a hint of caramel from oak aging. The lingering butterscotch finish, coupled with firm natural acidity, will invite you back for continued enjoyment. Pair this wine with grilled chicken, pork, or creamy pasta dishes.
Steve Pessagno, Winemaker
91 Points - Editor's Choice
"Rich and creamy, with a smooth, buttery mouthfeel carrying flavors of ripe peaches, pears and limes. Santa Lucia’s cool climate brings a brisk cut of mouthwatering acidity. Good price for a Chardonnay this fancy." - Steve Heimoff
Price: $24
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