1977 Napa Valley Chardonnay
Winemaker's Notes
Like the 1976 vintages, this 1977 “Napa Valley” Chardonnay is produced from grapes nurtured and harvested under the peculiar conditions of the California draught.
Vintage Weather
Hot. Second drought year. Little bit cooler than 1976. Growers more prepared for low water. Vines still somewhat stressed, but the fruit had good balance and concentration. Long, cool, crush.
Tasting Notes
The small and slightly shriveled berries of this dry season have again produced an intense wine in which one can sense the concentration of grape nutrients and varietal character. Six months in French oak has allowed this rich vine to benefit from the sight oxidation and addition of oak flavor that will add to its complexity and delicacy. Given proper aging and cellaring, this 1977 “Napa Valley” vintage promises to become another classic Montelena Chardonnay.
Technical Data:
| Harvest Dates: | Sept. 3 to Oct. 2 |
| Bottling Date: | August, 1978 |
| Release Date: | September, 1979 |
| Appellation: | Napa Valley |
| Time in Oak: | 6 months |
| Sugar at Harvest: | 23.5° brix |
| Alcohol: | 13.4% |
| Total Acidity: | 0.73 g/100 ml |
