Arnold Palmer Chardonnay 2014
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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.