The Vintage: The drought continued across Northern California in 2009. Winter rains were light and water remained scarce throughout the growing season. For the second consecutive year, a mid-May heat wave brought some of the highest temperatures we would see all summer. The rest of the summer was relatively cool and ripening proceeded at a leisurely pace. Harvest began in mid-September and finished on October 22. This year will be remembered for two dramatic harvest weather events – a late September heat wave that risked pushing sugars too high, and the biggest October storm in over forty years. We were fortunate to have most of our warmest blocks harvested before the heat wave and all of our delicate varietals in before the storm. In spite of the unusual weather, it was a balanced vintage that produced outstanding wines.

Vineyards: A blend of Wente and Prosser clones from Savoy Vineyard near the town of Philo in the Anderson Valley Appellation.

Harvest: September 23rd and October 8, 2009 at an average of 23.8° Brix

Fermentation: Uninoculated barrel fermentation with weekly stirring of lees until August, 2010

Aging: Aged eighteen months in 60 gallon French oak barrels – 50% new
Coopers include Claude Gillet, Cadus, Damy, and Sirugue

Technical Notes: Alcohol: 14.3 %, pH: 3.43, Total Acid: 6.7 g/L

Cases Crafted: Four hundred and fifty four cases (eighteen barrels) bottled without fining on March 24, 2011

Release Date: May 1, 2011

Winemaker’s Comments: Our 2009 Savoy Vineyard Chardonnay is an exceptional wine. Vibrant aromas of lemon curd, marzipan, French melon, brioche, struck flint and toast mix for an especially intoxicating nose. Flavors of lemon grass, grapefruit, and pineapple give way to notes of Asian pear, and quince paste on the finish. The highly textured palate is an exciting interplay between fresh acidity and the richness of barrel fermented Chardonnay. —Ryan Hodgins, Winemaker

Accolades: 2009 Pinot Noir Savoy Vineyard 
“Bright yellow. Vivid, high-pitched aromas of candied lemon, lime zest, pear and white flowers, with intense mineral and spice notes adding complexity. Taut and nervy on entry, then fleshier in the middle, offering juicy orchard fruit and melon flavors and an undertone of smoky lees. Closes on a spicy, mineral-driven note, with excellent clarity and sappiness. Quite powerful but this wine is also very lively.” – 92 points, International Wine Cellar