Raphael 2005 Grand Cru Chardonnay

Wine Recommendation:
Raphael 2005 Grand Cru Chardonnay

Tasting Notes:
The future of Long Island Chardonnay production is displayed in this clean, crisp white wine that is produced in the traditional style of a Chablis – without the use of oak or malo-lactic fermentation. It is kept entirely in stainless steel, fermented very cold, making the acidity more noticeable and focusing the flavors on minerality and purity. The perfect food-friendly Chardonnay and the style our winemaker feels is best suited to this variety on the North Fork. 100% Chardonnay.

Vintage Notes:
The 2005 vintage was the driest growing season on Eastern Long Island in almost 60 years. Rainfall from May through October 1 totaled approximately 7 inches – the average for the region during this same period is approx. 15-19 inches. The dry conditions combined with steady, warm temperatures provided us with extremely ripe and concentrated fruit and a harvest season that began 2 weeks earlier than normal. Late season rains did little to affect fruit composition. We believe the 2005 vintage will be recognized as one of Long Island’s finest – clearly the best wines we have made since 2001. This fruit was purchased from our neighboring Osprey’s Dominion Vineyard from old Chardonnay vines planted in 1983.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	North Fork, Long Island
Varietal:	100% Chardonnay
Winemaker:	Richard Olsen-Harbich
Enologist:	Paul Pontallier
Aged:	Stainless Steel 100%
Harvest:	Harvested on 10-5-05
Brix:	21.5
pH:	3.2
TA:	8.5 gL