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1981 Alexander Valley Chardonnay

Winemaker's Notes
The 1981 vintage year had a short growing season mainly due to the heat waves in May and July that ripened the fruit three weeks ahead of the normal harvest time.  The fruit arrived in very good condition with an excellent balance of sugar and acid.

This particular wine is our premier “Alexander Valley” appellation and is typical of that region.

Vintage Weather
Cool variable. Dry year. Extreme heat waves in June but cooler in late summer. One of the shortest growing seasons on record.  Low yields, very concentrated wine. 

Tasting Notes
It has a rich golden color that comes with wines of this depth and character.  The fruity Chardonnay aroma is enhanced by the spicy overtones of the Alexander Valley grapes with a complex bouquet brought about by aging in fine oak and careful winemaking procedures.  It is altogether a luscious and elegant Chardonnay complete with an enjoyable appealing body and texture on the palate.  Drinking well now, it will develop additional complexity in the bottle over the next several years.

Bo Barrett, Winemaker