Edna Valley Vineyard Chardonnay 1999

Gentle winemaking techniques were used such as barrel fermentation at cool temperatures, sur lie aging in small French oak barrels and weekly batonage (stirring of the lees). To add complexity, a variety of yeasts were used in primary fermentation and the wine was encouraged to undergo malolactic fermentation as well. Soft but evident acids and a variety of spice and fruit nuances result. A gentle fining with natural ingredients add richness and depth while integrating the components of oak, fruit, spice, and acids. The initial impression is a fruit forward wine (peaches and pineapple) with underlying tones of butterscotch, coconut, and hazelnut in the mid-palate and banana dominating the extra long finish.