Arnold Palmer Chardonnay 2004
Winemaker Notes
For nearly 50 years, Arnold Palmer has commanded the spotlight with his pioneering vision for the game of golf and his involvement in the development of some of the most prestigious golf courses in the world. Today he is collaborating with Luna Vineyards in expanding his portfolio of privately branded offerings to include Arnold Palmer Wines.Toasty aromas of coconut, vanilla and warm spice greet the nose. On the palate, a burst of Meyer lemon evolves into tropical fruit flavors, a perfect balance between French Oak and mouthwatering acidity. The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy; a hint of minerality lingers in the finish.
100% Chardonnay from the Carneros, Santa Barbara and Monterey coastal vineyards. These rolling hillside vineyards hug the California coastline and have well drained sandy soils. Combining extremely cool foggy nights with warm sunny days produces lush ripe well-balanced fruit.
Grapes are whole cluster pressed into stainless steel tanks and allowed to settle overnight. The following morning the juice is inoculated with yeast and put into French Oak barrels for fermentation. To maintain balance a small portion is fermented in stainless steel tanks. 80% was aged for 12 months in French Oak barrels. To enhance the texture of the wine and encourage malolactic fermentation the lees were stirred twice a month.
Palmer and founder of Luna Vineyards, Mike Moone, share a long-standing friendship and in 2003, they chose to collaborate and develop Arnold Palmer Wines. Arnold Palmer Wines combines high quality super premium wines with a legendary name and global icon. The first offering from Arnold Palmer Wines, a California Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay, released in the spring of 2005. Both are premium wines, composed of grapes sourced from select vineyards in California's most acclaimed winegrowing regions.
Palmer on Luna Vineyards and its founder Mike Moone, "Since I hooked up with Luna, I've had a reason to be more involved with wine," says Palmer. "I've learned something about the process and it's fun to think that you are part of something you enjoy so much. Mike is a good friend and he's going to produce a good product, because that's what he does."
California’s most praised white wine, Chardonnay is also the state’s most planted white grape variety. Diverse terrain and microclimates allow for an incredible range of wine styles.
Chardonnay planted in the cooler, coastal zones takes on bright characteristics like lemon zest, key lime, green apple and wet flint. For this style, look to the chilly Sonoma Coast, Carneros, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands and Edna Valley.
The inland zones of California’s coast, such as the Russian River, Sonoma, Napa and Livermore Valleys maintain a more Goldilocks-esque climate where both styles go. Early picking retains acidity and creates a leaner style but leaving the grapes to hang creates an approachable Chardonnay, balancing richness and finesse.
Chardonnay also plays a major part in the sparkling wine production of the Anderson Valley and Carneros.