2001
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay, Walker Station Vineyard
Winemaker's Notes
This stylish 2001 Walker Station Chardonnay is distinguished by distinct layered character of the citrus fruit. Aromas of mandarin orange, spearmint, honeysuckle, and nutmeg. On the palate, the wine is lively, full-bodied and rich. It shows luxurious citrus flavors with a touch of vanilla and nice lengthy buttery finish. Alcohol 14.7%.
Vineyard
Owner/Manager
Michael & Kerry Riel
Vineyard
Walker Station Vineyard
Clones
Old Wente, small cluster selection
Vineyard Age
29 years
Site
Southwestern exposure, Blucher gravelly clay loam
Yield
1.0 tons/acre
Harvest
Harvest Date
Upper Vineyard - October 2 Lower Vineyard October 21
Harvest Brix
Upper Vineyard - 24.1°, Lower Vineyard 22.3°
Growing Season
An early spring in the Russian River Valley set a large crop, requiring extensive work in the vineyard to manage the yield for optimum flavor intensity and richness in the grapes. Cool weather in late September and October extended the harvest providing for enhanced flavor development
Winemaking
Hand harvested grapes
Whole cluster, direct to press
Barrel fermented with indigenous yeasts, 9 months to
Concurrent native malolactic fermentation in barrels
Barrel aged 10 months, 64% new French oak, sur lies and stirred
