Native Yeast Chardonnay 2009

The Native Yeast Chardonnay is made only in exceptional years when the fruit is virtually perfect. After pressing, the settled juice is put directly into barrels and allowed to begin fermentation spontaneously, without the addition of a yeast culture. By relying solely on the indigenous yeasts that inhabit our vineyard and winery we can produce wines of greater complexity and finesse. The 2009 Native Yeast Chardonnay was produced in limited quantities and is only available at the winery. We think this wine is similar to the 1995 vintage, which was given an 89 rating by Wine Spectator.

Available May 29th, 2010
$30 per bottle

Fermentation: In French oak barrels using only the wild yeasts native to our vineyard.
Aging: Approximately Ten months on the lees in French oak.
Bottling: Bottled (anticipated): May 2010
Tasting Notes: Creamy vanilla aromas with pineapple and tropical fruits underneath. Full-bodied with loads of ripe fruit and subtle oak shadings. The toasty finish is long and very smooth.