Petaluma Tiers Chardonnay 1999 Front Label
Petaluma Tiers Chardonnay 1999 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

1999 Tiers Chardonnay is the fourth release from this special vineyard and in many ways represents the vineyard at its best in a very good vintage. The crop level was very low in a season which was marginally cooler and dryer than average. The aroma is of pear and white peach with loads of complexity; clove and cinnamon and vanilla from the Vosges oak and creamy brioche characters from the malolactic and lees stirring. A wet stone, mineral element in the aroma persists through the flavour as well and is characteristic of the Tiers Vineyard. 1999 Tiers Chardonnay is more than moderately viscous because of the low crop level but retains an austerity of finish typical of the wines of the Tiers Vineyard.

1999 Tiers Chardonnay is a wine of pedigree and longevity.

Brian Croser, Founder and Winemaker

Professional Ratings

    Petaluma

    Petaluma

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    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.

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    A large, climatically diverse country with incredibly diverse terrain, producing just about every wine style imaginable, Australia has a grand winemaking history and some of the oldest vines on the planet. Both red wine and white wine from Australian are wildly popular and beloved. Most of Australia's wine regions are concentrated in the south of the country with those inland experiencing warm, dry conditions and those in coastal areas receiving tropical, maritime or Mediterranean weather patterns. Australia has for several decades been at the forefront of winemaking technology and has widely adopted the use of screwcaps, even for some premium and ultra-premium bottles. Thanks to the country’s relatively agreeable climate throughout and the openness of its people, experimentation is common and ongoing.

    Shiraz is indeed Australia’s most celebrated and widely planted variety; Barossa Valley leads the way, producing exceptionally bold and supple versions. Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia's second most planted variety, can be blended with Shiraz but also shines on its own particularly in Coonawarra and Margaret River. Grenache and Mourvèdre are also popular, both on their own and alongside Shiraz in Rhône Blends. Chardonnay is common throughout the country and made in a wide range of styles. Sauvignon Blanc has recently surged in popularity to compete with New Zealand’s distinctive version and Semillon is often blended in Margaret River or shines on its own in the Hunter Valley. Riesling thrives in the cool-climate Clare and Eden Valleys. Sticky-sweet fortified wine Rutherglen is a beloved regional specialty of Victoria.

    SWS83916_1999 Item# 49826