1998
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay, Kunde Vineyard Sonoma Valley
Winemaker's Notes
Rich concentrated aromas of baked apple, smoked hazelnut,and apricot. The palate is filled with intense flavors of ripe peach, nectarine, and guava. The oak flavors are well integrated and enhance the structure. There is a nice mineral edge to the lingering finish. This is a showy wine with very approachable flavors that should continue to evolve complexity in the bottle for the next few years. Alcohol 14.3%
Vineyard
Owner/Manager
Kunde Estate Winery/Keith Kunde
Vineyard
Kunde Vineyard
Appellation
Sonoma Valley
Vineyard Age
18 years
Site
Hillside, terraced, south southwestern exposure, red soil (volcanic, shattered rock); elevation, 450 feet.
Yield
3.5 tons/acre
Harvest
Harvest Date
October 8, 1998
Harvest Brix
24.4°
Growing Season
A cool, damp, spring delayed the start of the growing season, and contributed to a small crop yield. An extended, warm Indian Summer allowed the fruit to reach maturity with rich, complex flavors.
Winemaking
Hand-harvested grapes
Whole cluster, direct-to-press
Concurrent, spontaneous malolactic fermentation
Barrel aged 10 months, 55% new French oak, sur-lies and stirred
