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2009 Carneros Chardonnay
Our 2009 Chardonnay consists entirely of grapes from our 335-acre estate vineyard, where numerous Chardonnay clones and selections grown in a variety of soil types contribute balance and great complexity to the wine. Its meager soils and cool, breezy climate give Carneros a well-earned reputation for producing Chardonnay with beautiful fruit expression and ample natural acidity.
Tasting Notes
Pineapple, citrus and dried apricot aroma with background hints of vanilla bean and hazelnut announce this lively Chardonnay.Smooth and round on the palate, the wine shows firm structure, ripe golden delicious apple and rich lemony and butterscotch flavors that linger throughout the long, refreshing finish.
Winemaking Notes
The ideal weather and moderate yields of 2009 produced still wines with an abundance of fruit flavor and complexity. The grapes ripened slowly and evenly. Acidity is nicely balanced and the wines show great concentration. We just wish we had more.
• Whole-cluster pressing to minimize extraction of bitter compounds
• 100% barrel-fermented
• Partial malolactic fermentation (29%) to add richness and complexity without
compromising vibrant natural acidity
• Aged for nine months in medium-toast French oak barrels (27% new) from coopers including Damy, Billon, François Frères, Mercurey and Cadus
• Battonage (stirring the lees in barrel) performed every three weeks for six months to contribute textural richness
Acclaim
2008 VINTAGE, 89 POINTS
"Another solid Chardonnay from Gloria, continuing a string of recent successes...with oak, buttered toast, pineapple, creme brulee and custard spice flavors, brightened with exceptionally brisk acidity."
- Wine Enthusiast, April 2012
"A round chardonnay with tasty aromas and flavors. Notes of baked apple, pear, honey and spice. Layered flavors. Nice length."
- Press Democrat, March 2012
Awards
2007 VINTAGE, 2011 Gold Medals
Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition - Platinum
Food Affinities
Delicious with cracked crab, shrimp cocktail, seafood risotto or roast chicken with lemon citrus. Pair with a range of cow, sheep or goat’s milk cheeses, including Camembert, Chèvre and Gruyère.
Analysis
Blend: 100% Carneros Chardonnay
