1978 California Chardonnay
Winemaker's Notes
Again, the California appellation refers to a blend made of wines from the premium coastal viticultural areas. A very warm September resulted in grapes of high sugar content.
Vintage Weather
Temperate Consistent. Good winter rains. Long and warm growing season. Late heat led to a somewhat compressed harvest. High extract and body with well-balanced fruit.
Tasting Notes
The high extract of mature fruit, plus extra long oak aging have produced a golden, richly flavored wine. While Napa Valley and Alexander Valley contribute honeyed varietal character, apple-like crispness of the Santa Maria fruit brings the wine into balance. One year of additional bottle age is recommended to harmonize the diverse flavors and full body.
Technical Data:
| Harvest Dates: | Late September |
| Bottling Date: | December 1979 |
| Release Date: | May 1980 |
| Appellation: | California |
| Time in Oak: | 7 months |
| Sugar at Harvest: | 24.0° brix |
| Alcohol: | 13.9% |
| Total Acidity: | .85g/100ml. |
