Clos LaChance 2004 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay

Vintage Notes:
Vintage 2004 in the Santa Cruz Mountains was a record-setting year, both in terms of quality and quantity. The growing season was perfect—a cool spring with mild rains and a few brief periods of high temperatures later in the summer. Towards the end of the season, temperatures dropped. But those who waited were rewarded. The fruit hung longer on the vine, developing intense, ripe berries with deep color and complex flavors.

Winemaker Tasting Notes:
On the nose, I get strong aromas of sweet scented pear, ripe red and golden delicious apple. There is a hint of tropical fruit with a touch of spice....hazelnut, cinnamon and graham. A faint aroma of apple blossom along with a touch of wet granite or stones. The rich flavors of ripe peaches dominates the mouth, along with a hint of juicy pear and tropical fruits that linger from the mid-palate. The finish is smooth with traces of nutmeg and vanilla.

Food Pairing:
Seared scallops with a lemon-beurre sauce, dungeness crab with garlic and butter, pesto chicken and sautéed asparagus.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Santa Cruz Mountains
Varietal:	100% Chardonnay
Bottle Date:	July 20, 2005
Oak:	10 months (20% new)
Released:	November, 2005