2017 Chalone Vineyard Reserve Estate Chardonnay, Chalone AVA
Winemaker Notes
Our 2017 Reserve Chardonnay is delight for the senses with flavors and aromas of nectarine, green
pear, butterscotch and a flinty minerality.
Composition
100% Chardonnay
Wine Specs
Vintage
2017
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Chalone AVA
Acid
6.2 g/L
pH
3.12
Aging
9 months in 1 year old French oak
Residual Sugar
0.24 g/L
Alcohol %
13.6
Production Notes
The 2017 vintage yielded an average amount of rainfall overall, however approaching harvest we experienced
incredible heat spikes with temperatures above 110°F for more than two weeks. A sudden temperature
increase during this critical time makes for a swift harvest as sugar levels spike resulting in the entire
vineyard ripening simultaneously. All of these factors amounted to a very condensed harvest, similar to
the year prior.
Vineyard Notes
We sourced this Chardonnay from the Strip and Pinnacles House blocks of our oldest, highest-quality
vineyards. Our Chardonnay vineyards were planted in 1971, 1972 and 1973. An additional portion came
from an outstanding 1985 planting, which Richard Boer grafted using budwood taken from vines planted
in 1946 on the estate. These MacWood heritage selections yield tiny berries that contribute intensity and
structure to the wine. The age of our vines gives our Chardonnay wines their intense flavors, quality and
aging potential.
Production
Only 240 cases produced.