Chardonnay Rombauer Vineyards, Carneros, USA 2013

 
Rombauer Vineyards began producing Chardonnay in 1982. In 1990, the family made their first Chardonnay from the Carneros region, where San Pablo Bay meets the southern end of Napa and Sonoma valleys. There, the cool climate and clay soils offer ideal conditions for growing superior Chardonnay with the Rombauer hallmarks — intense fruit flavors balanced by fresh acidity.VINEYARDS

The fruit for this wine comes from vineyards in the Carneros region owned by the Rombauer family and select growers including the Sangiacomo family, long-term grower partners who have farmed this land for three generations.

WINEGROWING

The 2014 vintage was another ideal growing season with warm, dry conditions that resulted in excellent fruit quality. Sustainable farming practices throughout the growing season were tailored to each block with the assistance of aerial photos produced using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) technology. The fruit was handpicked at night and sorted in the vineyard.

WINEMAKING

The grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed while the fruit was still cool. The juice was pumped to tank to cold-settle overnight before it was racked to barrel for primary and malolactic fermentation. The lees were stirred every two weeks to give the wine rich flavors and a creamy texture.

TASTING NOTES

Enticing aromas of bright citrus and melon are layered with spice, vanilla and a touch of butter. Vibrant flavors of mango and guava meld with vanilla and soft spice on the creamy, rich palate. The finish is juicy and satisfying with refreshing acidity that makes you crave another sip.