Krutz Family Cellars Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Chardonnay 2013
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Although Krutz Family Cellars was founded by an army and family of one (Patrick), it has just recently truly grown into its 'full' business name. The '03-'07 vintages were crafted entirely by Patrick. Youngest brother Cole came on the scene in 2007. Cole is our chief cellar rat and is currently enrolling in a Wine MBA curriculum at Sonoma State College. Also new to the family is Rebecca Kuchar Krutz. She and Patrick met each other in Napa Valley in the summer of 2007 and since have been doing their share of adding to the Krutz gene pool with Patrick II and a daughter expected in June. When the business was founded, the word "Family" was included due to Patrick's tight ties with his parents and brothers, but now it certainly encompasses an even bigger and broader meaning. After all, anyone who enjoys a bottle of Krutz Family Cellars is part of our extended family!
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Perhaps the most highly regarded appellation within Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a combination of warm morning sunshine and brisk afternoon breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The result is concentrated, flavorful wines that retain their natural acidity. Wineries here do not shy away from innovation, and place a high priority on sustainable viticultural practices.
The climatic conditions here are perfectly suited to the production of ripe, rich Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These Burgundian varieties dominate an overwhelming percentage of plantings, though growers have also found success with Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris.