Mill Creek 2002 Chardonnay Reserve

Winemaker Notes:
For the 2002 Estate Bottled Reserve Chardonnay, the best grapes from Mill Creek’s Estate vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley were chosen. After crushing and pressing, the juice was allowed to settle and later racked, moving the juice to small French and American oak barrels for fermentation. During this time, the lees were stirred every week. A portion of the barrels underwent malolactic fermentation. After 12 months in barrel, the wine was bottled in January, 2004.

Tasting Notes:
Aromas of ripe pear, vanilla, and traces of butter lead to matching flavors. Very firm acidity balances the softening effects of the malolactic fermentation flavors and result in a very long finish.

Food Pairing Notes:
This wine would go well with rich foods. Rotisserie and roasted chicken would stand up nicely as well as shellfish. The buttery characteristics of cracked crab or fettucine alfredo would also go well.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	100% Dry Creek Valley
Vineyard:	Estate
Varietal Content:	100% Chardonnay
Sugar at Harvest:	25.2 degrees Brix
TA:	0.58g/100ml
Alcohol:	13.6%
pH:	3.24
Fermentation & Aging:	Barrel fermentation, 12 months French and American oak, 40% new.
Production:	220 Cases