1999
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay, Walker Station Vineyard
Winemaker's Notes
This stylish 1999 Walker Station Chardonnay is distinguished by the distinctly layered character of the fruit. Aromas of mandarin orange, spearmint, honeysuckle, and gardenia petal mix with the enticing notes of freshly baked bread. On the palate the wine mellifluously reveals its lively, full-bodied nature: rich, luxurious, and seamless. Vibrant citrus flavors and a touch of vanilla remain as the flavors that linger on the finish. Alcohol 14.3%.
Vineyard
Owner/Manager
Michael & Kerry Riel
Vineyard
Walker Station Vineyard
Clones
Old Wente, small cluster selection
Vineyard Age
27 years
Site
Southwestern exposure, Blucher gravelly clay loam
Yield
1.2 tons/acre
Harvest
Harvest Date
27 years
Harvest Brix
Upper Vineyard - 24.0°, Lower Vineyard 22.5°
Growing Season
Cool summer weather in the Green Valley contributed to a long growing season in 1999. This produced excellent flavor retention in the fruit, with high acidity and low pH. The warm Indian summer weather allowed for an extended "hang time" to fully ripen the fruit at Walker Station to optimum maturity.
Winemaking
Hand harvested grapes
Whole cluster, direct to press
Barrel fermented with indigenous yeasts, 7 months to completion
Concurrent native malolactic fermentation in barrels
Barrel aged 14 months, 75% new French oak, sur lies and stirred
