1998
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay, Walker Station Vineyard
Winemaker's Notes
The first swirl of your glass reveals intriguing aromas of stone fruits, oatmeal, toast, and cinnamon. Richly layered flavors of apricot, peach, and lemon-peel fill the palate, while a crisp mineral edge enhances the liveliness. This is a powerful, rich, concentrated, and well-balanced wine. Alcohol 14.6%.
Vineyard
Owner/Manager
Michael & Kerry Riel
Vineyard
Walker Station Vineyard
Clones
Old Wente, small cluster selection
Vineyard Age
26 years
Site
Southwestern exposure, Blucher gravelly
Yield
2.5 tons/acre
Harvest
Harvest Date
November 2, 1998
Harvest Brix
23.7°
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
Barrel fermented with indigenous yeast, 30 days to completion
Concurrent native malolactic fermentation in barrels
Barrel aged 14 months, 75% new French oak, sur lies and stirred
