WINEMAKER'S NOTES
When a light rainfall precedes a warm, dry period of weather around grapes that are ripe, and planted to the optimal vineyard site, they – especially Semillon – develop botrytis, or “noble rot.” This rare combination of events occurred in 1997. The fragile clusters were harvested in successive waves by degree of noble rot in a single day. The various lots were pressed separately, the juice left to settle, and then pre-blended. Fermentation in French oak with Montrachet yeast occurred naturally, and in perfect balance. The wine then aged sur lies for twenty months.
Complete Winemaker Notes
REVIEW
Wine Spectator awards the 1997 Chalk Hill Estate Vineyard Selection Botrytised Semillon 92 Points
Complete Review
Restaurant Wine awards the 1997 Chalk Hill Estate Vineyard Selection Botrytised Semillon Four Stars
Complete Review
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
- Blend:
- 100% Semillon
- Vineyard:
- Block L
- Appelation:
- Chalk Hill
- Ageing:
- Twenty months sur lies, 85% new French oak
- Fermentation:
- 100% in barrel, Montrachet yeast, No malolactic
- Harvested:
- September 29, 1997, Brix 38.6°, T.A. 5.9 g/l, pH 3.86
- Bottled:
- July 28, 1999, T.A. 7.6 g/l, pH 3.66
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