Chardonnay

2006

SONOMA COUNTY

Whitney's Vineyard, Chardonnay

Planted in 1975, the Whitney's Vineyard (so named after Fred and Juelle Fisher's first daughter) is located on a gravelly hillside with a gently sloping southwestern exposure. The Vineyard is planted to Old Wente clone Chardonnay and produces less than one ton per acre. Today, these vines produce small berries that express their mountain heritage with mineral undertones and uniquely concentrated fruit flavors.

Tasting Notes

The 2006 Whitney's Vineyard shows aromas of lemon custard, sliced pineapple and marzipan. The wine begins with a smooth and supple entrance to the palate then opens with flavors of honeydew melon, green apple and pear. A flinty mineral acidity ties the wine together finishing with flavors of fresh Meyer lemon and toasted crème brulèe.

- Whitney Fisher, Winemaker

Production Notes

Whole cluster pressed to tank, cold settled for 24 hours, barrel fermented
75% of barrels completed Malolactic fermentation
Aged 18 months sur lie, 100% French Oak (50% new)
Alcohol by volume 14.7%
Bottle date: March 2008
450 cases produced

Review

Pale yellow-gold. Reticent but pure nose suggests orange zest, spices, minerals and fresh herbs. Subdued and rather delicate on the palate, offering flavors of dusty stone, talc and orchard and soft citrus fruits... Finishes spicy and long, with a lightly saline quality; this melts into the palate like a sake. Initially seemed a bit warm on the back but showed better grip and finishing minerality with aeration.

- Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

Vintages Produced

(Notes available on recent vintages)
1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006