Chalk Hill Estate

WINEMAKER'S NOTES

Ample heat ensured optimal ripening, and the 1996 Chardonnay exploded with flavor as it came in to the winery during harvest. Fermentations quickly revealed forward, concentrated wines, and the fruit’s full maturity guaranteed our typical Chalk Hill depth and balance. After whole cluster pressing, the juice was settled and racked to barrel for fermentation with natural yeasts. Natural malolactic fermentations finished by late January, and stirring continued throughout this time. The wine was aged sur lies for eight months in hand-picked French oak barrels.
Complete Winemaker Notes

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Blend:

100% Chardonnay

Vineyard:

Estate

Appelation:

Chalk Hill

Ageing:

Eight months sur lies, 33% new oak

Fermentation:

100% in barrel, 100% natural yeasts, 100% natural malolactic

Harvested:

August 30 - September 25, 1996, Brix 23.3°, T.A. 6.6 g/l, pH 3.49

Bottled:

July-August 1997, T.A. 6.3 g/l, pH 3.45

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