Michaud 2003 Chardonnay

Vineyard Notes:
It is rare in the United States that limestone occurs in areas suitable for vineyards. Limestone is a key component in the minerally flavors of great Burgundies and it is because of the region’s dramatic geologic history that limestone occurs in today’s Gabilan mountains.

The Chalone Appellation sits adjacent to the San Andreas Fault, the tectonic meeting of the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate. The great Pacific Plate that is west of the fault line was once and for eons the bed of the ocean. Countless generations of sea life formed a marine sediment that eventually compacted and became limestone, only to be thrust above the surface of the ocean by the great force of the grinding plates. The limestone combined with granite from the North American plate to form the ideal soil type; well-drained decomposed granite and limestone with some clay.

Winemaker Notes:
This Chardonnay comes from vines planted in 1986 & 1988, from cuttings of the Wente field selection planted in the appellation in 1946.
The 2003 season was drier than normal but was very favorable for the vines otherwise. The vines had a smaller than average harvest. The growing season was, on average moderately warm. The grapes were harvested in perfect condition and exceptionally flavorful. The aromas and flavor are vibrant and suggestive of peach, nectarine, apricot and apple. This wine is very expressive of its place of origin, displaying the minerality that is the the hallmark of the Chalone Appellation. Subtle French oak contribute to a multilayered- mouth filling wine. Chardonnay from this appellation will age gracefully for 7-10 years or more.

Food Pairing Notes:
Some of the foods we like to serve with this wine are: fresh crab, swordfish, roast chicken, pork chops and fresh pasta.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Chalone
Varietal Composition:	100% Chardonnay
Harvest dates:	September 17-20, 2003
Aging:	10 months
Oak:	30% New, 70% 1-3 Year Old French Oak
TA:	6.2 g/L
pH:	3.40
Sugar at Harvest:	23.6 degrees Brix
Alcohol:	14.3%
Bottling Date:	July 27, 2004
Optimum Consumption:	2006- 2015+