2005 Bench Blend Chardonnay
Titratable Acidity: 0.58 g/100ml
pH: 3.31
Alcohol Level: 14.2%
Bottling Date: August 2006
Release Date: March 2007
Case Production: 3,554 cases
Wine Tasting Notes
Our 2005 Reserve Chardonnay is complex and layered, with juicy nectarine, mandarin orange and lychee fruit that begins on the nose and carries through to the palate. The wine is rich and dense, but not heavy. It is a balanced wine with a mineral essence that extends through the long, lingering finish.
Viticulture Notes
2005 started with a wet winter which gave way to dry conditions throughout March. Precipitation started again in April and continued on a weekly basis into June. Due to the slightly cooler spring weather, bud break came a bit later than previous years. Overall, 2005 was an excellent vintage with a sizeable crop showing ripe, flavorful fruit and larger than normal berries and clusters. The fruit development was aided by an extended hang time before harvest, allowing the grapes to develop enticing aromas and mature flavors.
Winemaker Notes
The Chardonnay grapes were 100% hand harvested at night when temperatures are cooler, between September 20 and October 25. The grapes were gently pressed as whole clusters. The wine underwent malolactic. The final blend was crafted after evaluating each lot individually.
