The 1998 Chalk Hill Chardonnay exemplifies what happens when a winemaker patiently waits out the bad weather and hopes for better conditions. High temperatures in October allowed grapes to ripen to full maturity and excellent flavor development. Fully expressive of the struggle of the harvest year, our Chalk Hill Chardonnay displays a medium rich texture with flavors in abundance. Grapefruit and Asian pear flavors are delicately touched with essence of lavender. A bouquet of granny smith apples and fresh cut Hawaiian pineapple intermingle with hints of nutmeg and wet granite. Barrel aging in predominately French Oak barrels and a nice crisp balance serve as the framework for this luxurious wine. I look forward to serving this wine with a rich soup of Butternut Squash or a pasta with smoked salmon and a creamy dill sauce. -Rick Sayre, Winemaker