Ellen Lane Chardonnay

Whole cluster pressed while still cold from the field. Barrel fermented with indigenous yeasts; 8 months to completion. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrel. Sur lie aging, biweekly bâtonnage. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels; 48% new. Coopers: Cadus, Damy, Francois Frères, Gauthier, Leroi, Louis Latour. Unfined and unfiltered.

Clonal selection: Hyde Wente, Hudson Wente. Rootstock: 101-14. Plant date: 2007, 2008. Soils: Blucher and Josephine soil series; gravel and clay loam. Exposure: 2-30% slopes, western facing. Trellis and pruning: vertical shoot positioned (vsp) | bilateral cane. Yield: 2.1 – 3.0 tons/acre.

The hillside site for this chardonnay is situated on slopes that resemble an amphitheater, helping retain warmth from the afternoon sun and cool air in the evening hours. With these favorable conditions, a golden-yellow appears in the glass, accompanying expressive aromas white tea, ginger root, lemon meringue, and mineral accented notes of wet slate. The creamy texture on the palate reveals citrus, apple skin, and a vibrant acidity that lingers through the finish providing tension and focus.

Delectable with Halibut Crudo served with a radish salad and meyer lemon. Serve at 45°-50° F.