HARVEST NOTES:
Despite the ongoing drought conditions in California, 2014 experienced a relatively normal growing season. With a dry, mild winter, the vines saw an early bud break to start off the growing season. Spring conditions were warm and windy,
which resulted in a bit of shatter and a lighter than normal fruit set. Temperatures warmed up in late spring and were consistent all the way through September. This consistency brought an overall balance to the acidity and sugar levels, resulting in high quality fruit, and yields reduced by 20%.
WINEMAKING NOTES:
After harvesting, fruit for the Liberty School Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed and chilled for 1 – 2 days prior to fermentation. The Chardonnay was racked to barrel for fermentation and aged sur lie for 6-8 months in both neutral French and American oak barrels. Primary blending took place after 8 months and the wine rested in tank for 2 more months prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES:
COLOR: Pale straw colored with green undertones.
AROMA: Citrus fruit notes of tangerine and Meyer lemon combine with pineapple and Gravenstein apple, with hints of brioche, caramel and butterscotch
FLAVOR: Zesty green apple with Asian pear, grilled pineapple and a touch of chalky mineralty.
STRUCTURE: Medium bodied with racy acidity and a fruit-driven finish.
TOTAL ACIDITY: 0.69
PH: 3.54
ALCOHOL: 13.5%