Destino Napa Chardonnay 2000

The Wine ~ The grapes were picked at peak ripeness: 24 Brix in this vintage. Pressing was done as whole clusters, utilizing a membrane press to gently dejuice the grapes without breakage of skins, seeds, or stems. The juice was settled for 24 hours and racked to barrel for 100% barrel fermentation. Fermentation was conducted at approximately 55°F to promote long, slow development maximizing the fruit. Three distinctive yeasts, two isolates from Burgundian cellars and another from Champagne, were used to add complexity to the wine. Upon completion of primary fermentation, the barrels were stirred weekly to promote the breakdown of the yeasts adding additional layers of complexity as well as enhancing the creamy texture of the wine. Malolactic fermentation started at the completion of primary fermentation and continued through February. The wine was aged through the month of June in a mix of French oak barrels from several coopers. The wine was pushed out of barrel with Argon gas and bottled in July without fining. Tasting Notes ~ Creamy, melon/honeydew, apricot, butterscotch, opulent texture, broad flavors with nice length.