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1980 California Chardonnay

Winemaker's Notes
A cool summer of prolonged growth and ripening gave us our latest vintage start ever.  That coolness accentuated the proven truism; the coastal regions of California produce grapes with the most important component of wine: varietal character. 

Vintage Weather
Hot. Coolest growing season on record, but heat wave at crush ripened grapes nicely.  Intense, well-balanced fruit.  Great potential on these wines. 

Tasting Notes
The heady spice of Alexander Valley Chardonnay combined with the luscious fruitiness of Santa Maria join for delightful complexity.  By blending these two fine appellations we achieve bright fruit flavors from apples to peaches, crisp texture and ample body.  A tasty drinkability exhibits the Chateau’s attempts to produce balanced wines.  However, the patient will be rewarded by the roundness of fruit and hint of oak that blossom after another year of bottle age.

Jerry E. Luper, Winemaker