The majority of the fruit for the 2001 Chardonnay came from two different parts of the Sacramento River Delta region. The largest lot (44%) was harvested at between 23.5° and 23.8° Brix from vineyards just east of Lodi, while a further 38% was harvested at between 23.5° and 24.4° Brix from the Clarksburg area west of the river. The balance of the blend (18%) came from three vineyards in the Russian River region of Sonoma County. All but 21% of the wine was fermented in barrel - the Russian River portion entirely in French oak, the Lodi portion entirely in American oak and the Clarksburg portion in a combination of 70% American and 30% French oak. Barrel stirring (batonage) was performed on 40% of the barrel fermented lots and all saw between 3 and 6 months of lees contact. 92% of the wine completed malolactic fermentation.

Extremely aromatic, this 2001 Chardonnay offers luscious tropical fruit flavors with ripe citrus highlights. The intense fruit is backed by toasty oak and creamy malolactic notes. Well balanced with a smooth, rich texture on the palate, the wine will be delightful as an accompaniment to light pastas, chicken and seafood or by itself as an aperitif.