2005 Vintage Select Chardonnay

Wine Statistics

2005: The Vintage

The 2005 growing season constituted the farming equivalent of a roller coaster ride. February and March were warmer and dryer than usual, stimulating the vines into an early bud break, and leaving us with an abnormally long period to worry about a late frost. While we escaped any frost, April, May and June turned wetter and colder than usual, slowing the vines down and adversely affecting fruit set on many vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley. The wet and cool conditions extended into early July, when summer finally began in earnest. Delightfully warm and dry conditions throughout most of July, August, and September eventually brought the growing cycle back to something resembling normal and left us with the prospects of another fine harvest. A major rain storm on the last day of September was the harbinger of a wet fall, and growers had to watch weather patterns closely throughout the harvest period. Fortunately, we found several windows of dry weather throughout October that allowed for good picking conditions. In the end, though yields were down, fruit quality was excellent, and we look forward to serving you a delicious range of wines from the 2005 vintage.

2005 Vintage Select Chardonnay

After a leisurely “hang time”, during which varietal character was fully developed, the Chardonnay grapes were harvested in mid-October. Following a whole-cluster press, the wine was carefully vinified, after which it progressed through malolactic fermentation. After several months of oak-aging, the wine was filtered, and then bottled May 5. 2006.

Our 2005 Chardonnay greets the nose with complex aromas of apple, herbs, and melon, with subtle undertones of oak and nutmeg. The apple hints carry through to the mouth, complemented by a refreshingly crisp finish. Enjoy our Chardonnay as a slightly-chilled accompaniment with light fare, Gruyere and similar chesses, or as a worthy companion to shellfish and other seafoods.

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