Bighorn Cellars 2004 Chardonnay, Camelback Vineyard

Wine Recommendation:
Bighorn Cellars 2004 Chardonnay, Camelback Vineyard

Winemaker Notes:
The 2004 Camelback Vineyard Chardonnay was produced meticulously adhering to time proven methods, without compromise. It was first whole cluster pressed and then fermented slowly in small French oak Barrels. During prolonged aging in these barrels (up to ten months), the wine was gently stirred to develop an almost bread like richness from contact with the spent yeast. The secondary fermentation was then allowed to proceed slowly over several months developing further the rich round flavors. After bottling without filtration (to maximize flavor intensity) the wine was aged in cool dark cellars until ready... the results of these labors is a Chardonnay of unusual opulence, richness and elegance.

Vineyard Notes:
Situated on two consecutive hills, akin to a Camel’s back, Camelback Vineyard is the southernmost vineyard in Napa Valley. Direct maritime influence sweeping in from the San Francisco Bay coupled by gravelly, well-drained soils - a rarity in the clay-based Carneros region - make Camelback Vineyard a prime location for the development of premium Chardonnay. The original Camelback Vineyard was a 300-acre Chardonnay vineyard that produced award winning wines for Hess Collection, Rombauer, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Sequoia Grove. Bill Hill replanted the vineyard in a state-of-the-art fashion to include high density Dijon clones. Around 40 acres of the Camelback Vineyard serve as the main source for Bighorn Cellars Chardonnay.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Carneros, Napa
Vineyard:	Camelback
Varietal Content:	100% Chardonnay
Harvest Date:	September 2, 2004
Alcohol:	14.51%
Production:	2037 cases