2017 Two Sisters Courtney's Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay, Sta Rita Hills
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Winemaker Notes
Our Reserve Chardonnay has aromatics of candied lemon lime
zest with toasted brioche accents and hints of sweet honey comb.
On the palate, this Chardonnay has a rich and decadent profile
reminiscent of pineapple upside down cake with notes of creamy
custard and tart lemon bars. The finish showcases the integration
of fruit and French oak barrels with notes of ripe pineapple and
vanilla wafer.
Composition
100% Chardonnay
Wine Specs
Vintage
2017
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Sta. Rita Hills
Harvest Date
August 31 - October 16, 2017
Acid
6.0 g/L
pH
3.49
Aging
18 months; 100% New French Oak; Remond, Boutes, Grand Reserve, Damy
Fermentation
Barrel fermented
Bottling Date
May 22, 2019
Alcohol %
14.3
Wine Enthusiast
92
Production Notes
The Reserve Chardonnay was hand harvested in the cool
morning hours from August 31 - October 16, 2017 to preserve
flavor and aromatics. The 2017 features some of our favorite
clones: Remond, Boutes, Grand Reserve, Damy. The juice was
barrel fermented and aged for 18 months in 100% new
French oak barrels. To add richness and complexity to the
wine, we stirred the lees every two weeks. It was then bottled in
May of 2019.
Vineyard Notes
The 2017 vintage is one I will never forget. It was a year of
growth and challenges hurled at us by mother nature. The
growing season started off bold with early bud break followed
by a few sporadic frost events. Overall, the growing season
temperature was moderate to cool rendering uniform berry set.
As harvest approached, Mother Nature delivered extremely
warm temperatures which cued the start of harvest on August
31. Harvest wrapped up October 16 resulting in moderate yields
and full flavor development.