1998
Paul Hobbs Chardonnay, Cuvee Agustina, Richard Dinner Vineyard
Winemaker's Notes
Inspired by the birth of my daughter, Agustina, I decided to create a label dedicated to the highest expression of the winemaker?s art. The wine is a selection of the best barrels of our Richard Dinner Vineyard Chardonnay. With loads of opulent fruit balanced by the crisp mineral texture that gently rolls along the palate, this is an elegant wine, appropriate for the most special of dining experiences. Alcohol 14.3%
Vineyard
Owner/Manager
Caroline and Patricia Dinner/Joe Votek
Vineyard
Richard Dinner Vineyard
Clones
Old Wente
Vineyard Age
16 years
Site
Hillside, northern exposure, gray clay-loam with strata of volcanic tuft
Yield
2.2 tons/acre
Harvest
Harvest Date
October 14, 1998
Harvest Brix
23.7°
Growing Season
The El Niño influenced spring delayed the start of the growing season and contributed to a small crop yield. An extended 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, 2 months to completion
Concurrent spontaneous malolactic fermentation
Barrel aged 14 months, 100% new Francois Freres oak barrels, sur-lies and stirred
Unblended, unfined, unfiltered; bottled December 1999
