2004
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay, Walker Station Vineyard
Winemaker's Notes
The tiny bit of wine we make from this vineyard (41 cases this vintage) exemplifies the elegance and nuance possible in a Russian River Valley Chardonnay. On the nose, this opalescent, bright straw-yellow beauty excites the senses with its signature aromas of citrus, orange blossom and minerals. The palate reveals seamlessly integrated and intriguing layers of flavor; apple, lemon custard, yeasty bread, almond and honeysuckle. Crisp minerality and citrus sing through the long finish.
The growing season began with warm dry weather in spring resulting in early bud break. A long summer of even temperatures had a moderating effect, lowering yields and developing complexity in the fruit. A week of heat in late summer resulted in an early harvest and lush, concentrated wines.
Winemaking
• Hand-harvested grapes
• Whole cluster, direct to press, cold
• Barrel fermented with indigenous yeasts; 2 months to completion
• Concurrent, spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels; 2 to 3 months to completion
• Aged 15 months in Seguin Moreau and Alain Fouquet French oak barrels; 80% new
• Aged sur lies and stirred monthly
• Unblended, unfined and unfiltered; Bottled January 2006
