RustRidge Winery Wines

'02 Estate Chardonnay

Vineyard:
RustRidge Ranch vineyard is located at the 1,000-foot elevation in the eastern hillside region of Napa Valley on a gentle slope of volcanic and alluvial soils surrounded by the tree studded Vaca range of mountains. The Chardonnay vines are almost 30 years old and planted with 8 x 12' spacing to the old Wente clone, which is a low yielding, very flavorful selection.
Winemaking and Cellar Operations:
The 2002 Estate Chardonnay was hand harvested at 23.6º Brix, .82 gm/100 ml total acid, and a pH of 3.34 in late October of 2002. After a gentle pressing, 80% of the settled juice was fermented with an aromatic DV-10 yeast in stainless steel tanks. The other 20% of the juice was barrel fermented in 25% new and 75% 1-year old French oak utilizing a D-47 and a QA-23 yeast to add structure and mouth feel. The two lots were combined, gently filtered and bottled in September 2003.
Winemaker Comments:
This lovely Chardonnay harnesses the delicate cool climate fruit of RustRidge, showing crisp apple and pear aromas with just a hint of creamy vanilla. The finished wine is nicely balanced and reminiscent of a classic Chablis. It is a perfect accompaniment to shellfish and white-sauced pastas.

RustRidge B&B/Winery
2910 Lower Chiles Valley Road
St. Helena, CA 94574
Ph (707) 965-9353, Fax (707) 286-5502
RustRidge@RustRidge.com