1998
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay, Richard Dinner Vineyard
Winemaker's Notes
Brilliant, yellow-gold color. Aromas of ripe peach, fig, and orange-peel combine with vanilla, sweet spices, and toasty oak. Succulent fruit flavors are balanced by an elegant minerality that runs along the sides of the palate. The ample richness suggests early consumption, but patience may be your reward. Alcohol 14.1%
Vineyard
Owner/Manager
Caroline and Patricia Dinner/Joe Votek
Vineyard
Richard Dinner Vineyard
Clones
Old Wente
Vineyard Age
16 years
Site
Hillside, northern exposure, clay-loam gravel with lens of volcanic tuft
Yield
2.8 tons/acre
Harvest
Harvest Date
October 14, 1998
Harvest Brix
23.7°
Growing Season
The El Niño influenced spring delayed the start of the growing season and contributed to a small crop yield. An extended Indian Summer allowed the fruit to reach maturity with rich, complex flavors.
Winemaking
Hand-harvested grapes
Whole cluster, direct to press
Barrel fermented with indigenous yeast, 3 months to completion
Concurrent spontaneous malolactic fermentation
Barrel aged 10 months in Francois Freres and Sirugue barrels, 60% new French oak, sur lies and stirred
