2002
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay, Walker Station Vineyard
Winemaker's Notes
This stylish vintage is distinguished by its complex layers of citrus fruit. The nose boasts aromas of Lime, spearmint, honeysuckle, and nutmeg. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich and shows luxurious citrus flavors with a touch of vanilla and a 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
30 years
Site
Southwestern exposure, Blucher gravelly clay loam
Yield
1.0 tons/acre
Harvest
Harvest Date
September 29 - November 2, 2002
Harvest Brix
Upper Vineyard : 24.1°, Lower Vineyard : 22.3°
Growing Season
A cold spring which resulted in late bud break, followed by a relatively warm summer, produced concentrated, big-style wines. Additionally, much work in the vineyard to limit a large crop set helped to further optimize flavor intensity and richness in the grapes.
Winemaking
Hand harvested grapes
Whole cluster press
Barrel fermented with indigenous yeasts; 9 months to completion
Concurrent native malolactic fermentation in barrels; 9 months to completion
Barrel aged 15 months, 75% new French oak, sur lies and stirred
Unblended, unfined and unfiltered; Bottled January 2004
