CHARDONNAY
VINTAGE 2003, TRINITY COUNTY
WINE DESCRIPTION
Breezy aromas of honey, lemon zest and apricots are deeply concentrated and well appreciated on a summer’s day. Flavors are crisp and bright with no heavy oak or buttery characters to get in the way of its fresh varietals flavors of crisp pink lady apples resting in a bed of cream and almonds.
WINE MAKER’S NOTE
An early April frost allowed the vine buds to break without damage thus giving our estate Hyampom Valley Ranch vineyard a wonderful head start in 2004. Consistent temperatures allowed for a stellar growing season. The cooler temperatures in our cool low mountain vineyard allowed for a lengthy, extended hang time that produced fully ripe and balanced fruit without over ripe characteristic. This near perfect vintage is reflected in wines of full flavors, solid structures and a well-balanced profile
FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
This Chardonnay pairs well with a pan-roasted pheasant breast in Chardonnay marinated portabella mushrooms, mashed yellow fin potatoes and a light raspberry reduction sauce drizzled over the top.
HYAMPOM VALLEY RANCH
The R. Merlo Estate Vineyards are located on the riverbanks of the wild and scenic South Fork of the Trinity River. Surrounded by 6000 ft. mountains on all sides, the vineyards are higher than most California vineyards, at an elevation of 1,250 feet. The valley floor has alluvial soils, allowing for excellent drainage and producing elegant yet complex flavors. The surrounding hillsides are composed of shallow native clay, which helps to create bold, well-structured wines. The growing season - a full three to four weeks later create bold, well-structured wines. The growing season - a full three to four weeks later than that of Napa or Sonoma - allows for a much slower ripening, increasing hang time and creating full concentrated flavors without over-ripening or depleting natural acids.
- GRAPE SOURCE Hyampom Valley, Trinity County, California
- AGING 12 months, barrel fermented and sur lees in French Oak (approx. 18% new oak)
- TOTAL ACID/pH .63/3.44
- RESIDUAL SUGAR 0.1%
- ALCOHOL 14.2% Alcohol By Volume
- BOTTLING DATE September 2005
- PRODUCTION 1040 Cases
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