1997
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay, Richard Dinner Vineyard
Winemaker's Notes
Pale straw color; aromas of ripe pear, apple, fig and pure citrus; flavors are focused and structured; orange peel and crème caramel are accented by rich vanilla bean, toasty oak, infused with a subtle note of minerality. The mid-palate is broad and firm with a smooth, velvety texture resulting in a long, clean finish. This powerful and elegant wine is the perfect accompaniment to oysters or even sushi. Alcohol 14.4%
Vineyard
Owner/Manager
Caroline and Patricia Dinner
Vineyard
Richard Dinner Vineyard
Clones
Old Wente
Vineyard Age
15 years
Site
Hillside, northern exposure, Spreckles cobblely
Yield
3.2 tons/acre
Harvest
Harvest Date
Two picks, September 7 and 10, 1997
Harvest Brix
23.6° - 24.4°
Growing Season
1997 yielded a good crop for Dinner. Springtime conditions were warm and dry resulting in an early bud break. Moderate temperatures leading up to harvest allowed for full maturity resulting in concentrated fruit flavor.
Winemaking
Hand-harvested grapes
Whole cluster, direct to press
Barrel fermented with indigenous yeast, 2 to 8 months to completion
Concurrent spontaneous malolactic fermentation
Barrel aged 11 months, 48% new French oak, sur lies and stirred
