Justin Chardonnay 2009

The 2009 growing season began with an early bud break (early March) due to the extremely warm spring temperatures. An early April frost rolled into the Paso Robles area but our vineyards were unaffected due to their hillside stature. A warm consistent summer segued into moderate early fall. The balanced weather allowed us to pick on flavor profiles without any concerns of excessive heat or cooler temperatures. Our red wine sources and home vineyard have shown incredible density and power of varietal expression, despite a ferocious rainstorm that dropped over 9 inches of rain on October 14, when over 80% of the grapes were already in tank or barrel. This delayed the completion of harvest, but the hearty cabernet sites shrugged off the water and retained great concentration and flavor. The style of the vintage will be flashy and intense.

Color: Pale gold with a light straw colored rim. Aroma: Apple, apricot, and ripe stone fruit combine with a hint of honey and toasted oak. Palate: White peach, banana, and Meyer lemon, along with hints of mineral and toasted almonds, finishing with layers of cinnamon, cream, and a touch of spice from the "lees" stirred French oak.