Bonterra Organically Grown Chardonnay 2003
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Winemaker Notes
Strange, weird and wonderful capture the roller coaster of the 2003 growing season. It started early, stayed late, and along the way brought upside down weather patterns that found days warm when they should be cool, and cool when they should be warm. Bud break for Chardonnay began to creep out in the warmest hillsides in February following an exceptionally mild winter. We had rain and cold in April, warm May days, showers in June and thunderstorms in July. Go figure. While we worried about rain during harvest, we found instead a beautiful Indian Summer that let grapes hang and develop full flavors, with higher acids that lead to this vintage having a bright, crisp showing that should be very pleasing. Flavors were even more concentrated as most vineyards found yields for Chardonnay 20-30% below average, allowing vines to concentrate energy in the fruit. Judicious shoot thinning and the careful eye that comes with organic farming led, in the end, to one of the most memorable vintages of the new century so far.
TASTING NOTES FROM WINEMAKER ROBERT BLUE
Our style continues to evolve toward a more international benchmark, with
fruit forward expressions characterized by a lighter touch of oak. It's new style
Chardonnay, which captures the best of the vintage. Classic Mendocino
aromas of crisp green apples are followed with hints of toasty oak spice. The
Dijon clone offers up definitive baked apple notes, with a touch of vanilla.
Rounding out first impressions are lemony citrus tones that add complexity
and brightness to the wine. Once in the mouth, you'll find this Chardonnay
to be well balanced, with the higher acids predominant in this
vintage providing a solid backbone. A creamy mid-palate gives
way to a slightly caramelized flavor leading to an extended, lingering,
bright fruit finish. It's a multi-dimensional wine made more flavorful by the
wonderful organic fruit we're privileged to farm.
THE BONTERRA PHILOSOPHY
We honor the land by farming organically, creating rich soils that provide
healthy vines the opportunity to deliver wonderfully flavorful fruit. With
every sip of Bonterra wine, you can taste our natural commitment. There's no
other way to fully capture the expression of our Mendocino terroir.
David Koball, Vineyard Manager
Organically farmed and masterfully crafted, Bonterra Organic Vineyards epitomizes wines that are perfectly in tune with nature. A celebration of farm-fresh flavors, the portfolio features wines coaxed from the earth by careful farming practices carried out on a dynamic network of estate and partner farms throughout California. In addition to a widely available collection of organically farmed wines that includes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Equinox Red and Rosé, Bonterra crafts a trio of sought-after single-vineyard offerings from estate Biodynamic® vineyards in Mendocino County, and The Elysian Collection Merlot, an elevated offering from organic grapes.
Long before organic produce filled the shelves of neighborhood groceries, the dedicated team at Bonterra was committed to organic and Biodynamic® farming because they passionately believe that farms teeming with biodiversity—encompassing vines, insects and wildlife, and healthy soils—yield organic grapes leading to better wines. Whether supporting the health of honeybees with hive housing in its organic vineyards, trading tractors for sheep to maintain vineyards during the winter months, or giving back to the future of agriculture through educational outreach and shared knowledge, Bonterra strives to leave behind a legacy of thoughtful winegrowing inspired by the potential of nature itself.
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.