Vineyard Sources

Fruit for this Chardonnay was harvested between August 22-September 3. It came from Frank Johnson Vineyard in southern Dry Creek Valley, Wolff Vineyard located mid-valley on the western bench and Pillsbury Vineyard located on the northwestern bench. The Johnson Vineyard is located near the southern boundary, less than two miles from the Russian River, and this vineyard's cool microclimate and alluvial soils produce wines of exceptional fruit and balance. The two smaller vineyards are located in mid- and upper-valley where it is warmer and produces fruit with melon and pineapple nuances.

Winemaking

At Pedroncelli Winery, the winemaking goal is simple; showcase the distinctive fruit of each varietal. This focus on fruit is particularly important in creating the style of Chardonnay that winemaker John Pedroncelli likes to achieve. John put all the vineyard lots together during fermentation for added depth of fruit.

A little over one third of the juice was fermented in American oak barrels and then aged for 10 months. The one third of the new wine underwent malo-lactic fermentation in order to add additional complexity to the wine, adding notes of butterscotch and vanilla. The balance of the wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks and rested until the two lots were blended together and bottled.

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

Clear light straw color. Wonderfully complex nose of citrus, tropical fruit and peach! Touch of toasted oak to complement, not overwhelm, the flavors and aromas. Full bodied, tart, and true-to-varietal character. Long finish of fruit and touch of spice.

Technical Information

Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Aging: One third aged in 100% American oak barrels
Alcohol: 13.90%
Acidity: .615g/100ml
pH: 3.43
Production: 5400 cases bottled in June 2002

 

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