2006 Bench Blend Chardonnay
Titratable Acidity: 0.56 g/100ml
pH: 3.76
Residual Sugar: 0.07 g/100ml
Alcohol Level: 14.3%
Wine Tasting Notes
Our 2006 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. Balanced with a mineral essence, the citrus flavors extend through the long, lingering finish.
Viticulture Notes
Despite inclement weather conditions, the 2006 harvest was marked as an exceptional vintage. Winter began with extreme rainfall causing flooding in much of Napa Valley. The rain continued into early spring and the cool, wet weather delayed bud break by a few weeks. However, sunny, warm weather in early June allowed the vines to bloom and set fruit. A 10 day streak of record heat in July helped catch the vines up to a "normal" place in the growing season. The return of cooler weather in fall allowed for moderately paced and deliberate ripening which was ideal for developing premium Chardonnay grapes with good complexity, acid and flavor.
Winemaker Notes
The Chardonnay grapes were 100% hand harvested at night when temperatures are cooler, between September 20 and October 23. The grapes were then gently pressed as whole clusters prior to fermentation to maintain varietal aromas and flavors. After primary fermentation was complete, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in order to enrich the mouthfeel and add complexity. The Chardonnay was aged in for 8-9 months in new and used primarily French oak barrels with medium to medium plus toast levels. The final blend was crafted after evaluating each lot individually.
