Michel-Schlumberger 2004 Chardonnay

Retaining the subtle fruit and floral elements that make chardonnay so special is the difficulty in working with it. Our collection of Dijon clone vines, growing on our cool hillsides, provides the classic perfume. We work hard to avoid overpowering it with flavors from oak barrels, fermentation choices or any other processing decisions. We often decline adding yeast, relying instead on indigenous organisms. The discipline not to meddle is a tough one to learn.

Winemaker Tasting Notes:
The aroma of our 2004 Chardonnay is driven by pleasant suggestions of orange blossoms and lemon backed up by a hint of toasted bread, hazelnuts and the indescribable “mineral” aftertaste. Structure is a factor in white wines, and this mid-palate is a good example. It has weight that suggests sweetness, but there is no fermentable sugar. This quality comes from small grapes grown on hills at only a few pounds per vine. The wine’s stature makes it a good choice for herbed chicken, cream pastas, roasted garlic flavored sauces or even lighter meats with citrus or herb rub where you might first think of a lighter red wine.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Dry Creek Valley
Varietal:	Chardonnay
Bottled:	August 2001
Released:	April 2006
Alcohol:	14.1%
Production:	2353 cases