1997
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay, Walker Station Vineyard
Winemaker's Notes
Opalescent, yellow-gold color; intense aromas of apricots, honeysuckle, cinnamon/vanilla truffles, sweet jasmine and caramel; richly layered flavors, exotic fruit, honey-tangerines, peaches and cream with a hint of orange blossom beeswax. The mid-palate is expansive, voluminous; texture is supple and silky. This full-bodied wine boasts a long, rounded finish. Alcohol 14.6%.
Vineyard
Owner/Manager
Michael & Kerry Riel
Vineyard
Walker Station Vineyard
Clones
Old Wente, small cluster selection
Vineyard Age
25 years
Site
Southwestern exposure, Blucher gravelly clay loam
Yield
2.5 tons/acre
Harvest
Harvest Date
September 29, 1997
Harvest Brix
24.6°
Growing Season
An excellent growing season. Bud break was early due to an unusually warm spring. A long summer of moderate temperatures gave the old-vine fruit time to ripen gracefully.
Winemaking
Hand harvested grapes
Whole cluster, direct to press
Barrel fermented with indigenous yeast, 8 to 10 months to completion
Concurrent native malolactic fermentation in barrels
Barrel aged 14 months, 70% new French oak, sur lies and stirred
