2006 Vintage Select Chardonnay

Wine Statistics

2006: The Growing Season

Due to winter weather patterns that lingered well into late spring, the 2006 growing season began with bud break around April 22nd, approximately a week to ten days later than normal. The good news was that we had less time to worry about a frost, which can be a problem until about May 15th. The bad news was that our growing season had been shortened before it even got started, and depending on weather conditions in the summer and fall, that could spell trouble. Fortunately, it did not. In fact, very warm weather in June caused bloom and fruit set to be right back on schedule and, as we would later discover, produced crop loads which were well above average. This was welcome news to Willamette Valley grape growers who had struggled through two successive years of low yields. By the time we reached veraison (the point when the grapes turn color), unusually hot weather in July and August had actually put us ahead of schedule, and had contributed to ripening the heavy load of fruit hanging on the vines. Rains in mid-September renewed fears that the grapes might not ripen, but by the end of the month the rains had ceased and a long period of warm, dry weather ensued. The result was something we don’t see often in Oregon – a heavy crop of very high quality grapes harvested right on schedule! Go Figure...

2006 Vintage Select Chardonnay

Upland Farms, our source for this 2006 Chardonnay, is located in one of Columbia Valley’s newest appellations, The Wahluke Slope. Upon receipt, the grapes were whole cluster pressed. The wine was carefully processed through primary fermentation, after which it progressed through malolactic fermentation. After several months of aging in French oak, the wine was filtered and then bottled April 19th, 2007.

Our 2006 Vintage Select Chardonnay exhibits complex aromas of ripe pineapple with subtle undertones of vanilla. Tropical fruit flavors carry through the middle palette, complemented by a refreshingly crisp finish. Enjoy our Chardonnay as a slightly-chilled accompaniment to fresh fruit, salads, cheeses, or fish and chicken entrees.

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