2009 Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay

HOLD
DRINK
2012-2019 OPTIMAL DRINKING WINDOW
Russian River Valley Heintz Vineyard
RELEASE PRICE $50 Past Release

Winemakers Notes

The attractive bouquet of ripe peaches and nectarines, pineapple, nutmeg and roasted vanilla beans dominate the nose in the glass. The rich mouthfeel and flavors of peach cobbler, […]

Read More

Technical Notes

TA 0.68g/100mL
pH 3.4
Alc. 14.5%
Barrel Description 25% new, 25% 2 yr., 50% 3+ yr.
Barrel Aged 14 months
Technical Notes PDF

Winemakers Notes

The attractive bouquet of ripe peaches and nectarines, pineapple, nutmeg and roasted vanilla beans dominate the nose in the glass. The rich mouthfeel and flavors of peach cobbler, guava, citrus blossom and crème brûlée linger on the palate. There is a creaminess or custard-like texture to this wine that is severed by the tangy acidity and flavors of fresh tropical fruits. An exceptionally multifaceted wine that typifies the characteristics of a cooler area in the Russian River Valley.

Harvest Notes

2009 produced magnificent wines, to rival those of 2007, expressing the individuality of the sites on which they were grown with intense flavors and perfumed aromas. Following the hardships of the 2008 growing season, late winter and spring of 2009 were unseasonably warm with little precipitation. Bud break occurred early March and unlike 2008, frost was not a problem. Berry set was even, benefitting from ideal daytime temperatures around 70F-75F, despite early May rains. Some bunch-stem necrosis was evident on our vineyards, resulting in loss of yields. The summer months were characterized by cooler than average weather, aided by morning fog, with very few heat spikes during the fruit ripening stage of the vine growth cycle. This resulted in intense flavor and aroma development, good acidity and phenolic development in tune with sugar accumulation. Warmer weather in late August ensured optimal ripeness culminating in harvest commencing in earnest by the Labor Day weekend. A warm September ensured that all Pinot Noir (Russian River, Sonoma Coast and Central Coast), Zinfandel and Chardonnay were picked before the mid-October rains that played havoc with later ripening varieties. Moderate yields delivered wines of exceptional color, flavors, and aromas with balanced acidity and tannins. As in 2007, the wines convey their unique characters in a vivid, precise and evocative manner. The 2009 vintage is one of the finest I have experienced in my 31 vintages at a commercial winery.

+ Read More

All Our Wines

Visit our wine library to find a specific bottle or peruse our full collection.

How To Purchase

Our wines are available twice a year for purchase.

Visit The Winery

Arrange a private tour and tasting tailored specifically for you.