2003
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay, Richard Dinner Vineyard
Winemaker's Notes
Since our first vintage in 1991, the wine we produce from this vineyard has developed a loyal following, becoming one of our most sought-after wines. As this vineyard ages, the quality remains superior but yields are more limited with each vintage. The 2003 is expressive and open with a nose of pineapple and apple butter, leading to flavors of red apple, dulce de leche and orange peel. The long finish is marked by a signature mineral component which adds structure and balance. Alcohol 14.7%
Vineyard
Owner/Manager
Caroline and Patricia Dinner/Joe Votek
Vineyard
Richard Dinner Vineyard
Clones
Old Wente
Vineyard Age
21 years
Site
Hillside, northern exposure, clay-loam and gravel with strata of volcanic tuft
Yield
Less than 1 ton/acre
Harvest
Harvest Date
October 2 & 9, 2003
Harvest Brix
24.2° - 25.0°
Growing Season
The 2003 growing season began as a difficult one with hot and cold spikes. Rain in late spring prolonged bud break, and resulted in unusual ripening patterns. Diligent work in the vineyard however, throughout a consistently warm summer, resulted in wines of complexity and power.
Winemaking
♦ Hand-harvested grapes ♦ Whole cluster press, cold ♦ Barrel fermented with indigenous yeasts; 8 months to completion ♦ Concurrent spontaneous malolactic fermentation, 6 months to completion ♦ Aged 10 months in French oak barrels; 74% new, sur lies and stirred ♦ Unblended, unfined and unfiltered; bottled August 2004
