Matanzas Creek Sonoma County Chardonnay 2006
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On appearance, this Chardonnay is the color of golden straw. The first nose delivers notes of vanilla and lemon zest. After a swirl, the deeper notes of honey, pear and quince become evident. On the palate, delicate flavors of lemon crème, white peach and pear progress into honeysuckle and butterscotch.
For a small portion of the blend, Winemaker François Cordesse used fruit that experienced some botrytis, or "noble rot", prized in France. One hundred percent of the blend went through malolactic fermentation, but careful vinification preserved freshness and prevented any heavy characteristics from developing.
Since 1977, Matanzas Creek Winery has been focused on creating balanced, elegant wines that are regarded as Sonoma County classics. Chardonnay has long been one of their signature varietals, and the 2006 vintage is a fine example of what can be achieved when artisan winemaking techniques are applied to the marvelous bounty of nature.
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Founded in 1977, Matanzas Creek Winery is located on the site of a retired dairy farm in Sonoma County's Bennett Valley. In 1985, the original winery gave way to a modern winemaking facility -- and, since that time, the Estate's Bennett Valley vineyards have grown to include over 280-acres of Chardonnay, Merlot and Syrah. Vineyard acquisitions in Sonoma Valley, Carneros, Russian River Valley and Knights Valley provide the vineyard management and winemaking teams with an enviable selection of fruit.
Although only formally recognized as an AVA in December 2003, Bennett Valley has a rich history of grape growing dating back to the mid-1800s. Once defined as part of Sonoma County's Sonoma Valley and Sonoma Mountain AVA's, Bennett Valley overlaps with these winegrowing regions but carves out 8,150 acres to call its own (of which 850 acres are planted with grapevines). Three mountains define Bennett Valley and also serve to capture a cool maritime air stream which promotes a cooler, longer growing season that results in more complex wines.