Varietal

100% Chardonnay

Winemaker's Tasting Notes

The 2007 Pastorale Chardonnay is the first of its kind from Freestone. Low yields produced only small amounts of juice and thus extremely limited quantities of wine. The grapes, harvested from superior Chardonnay blocks located just behind the winery, are comprised of clonal material that is mixed for the sake of diversity. Each clone or heirloom selection adds a different flavor or structural element to the balance and complexity of the finished wine. As this tiny load of Chardonnay was pressed and fermented, the lees were stirred frequently during and after fermentation to build the mid palate. The flavor concentration of the grapes, combined with the creaminess from the lees, has created a wine that boasts a copious bouquet of citrus, brioche, wet rocks and lemon curd. The initial sip suggests an ageworthy acid backbone, while the full body and persistent finish coats the palate with rich, sappy flavors of creme brulee , honey, citrus and white tea infusion.

Harvest Date

October 1, 2007

Blend & Grape Sources

100% estate-grown Chardonnay from Pastorale Vineyard.

Aging Regime

15 months in a single, new DAMY 500-L puncheon before bottling in April, 2009.

Growing Season

After an unusually dry winter, the onset of bud break appeared early. The overall growing season was moderate and relatively even, with a few heat spikes in early summer at berry set, which assisted the vines towards veraison of smaller berries. Harvest got off to an early start when warmer weather arrived in mid-August, and Chardonnay suddenly caught up. Pinot Noir harvest began on September 6th and then unseasonably cool weather followed in mid-September which slowed the season tremendously, creating a second harvest of sorts. The growing season was already extended due to early bud break in the spring, and with the cooler weather, hang time continued for Pinot Noir and some Chardonnay.

Wine Fact Sheet (PDF)

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Price

$100.00

Availability

Wine Club Only

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