2014 Drake Estate Vineyard Chardonnay

HOLD
DRINK
2017-2024 OPTIMAL DRINKING WINDOW
Russian River Valley Drake Estate Vineyard
RELEASE PRICE $65 Past Release

Winemakers Notes

In the glass, an alluring yellow hue with a green glint summons the senses. At first nosing, the Williams Selyem Drake Estate Vineyard Chardonnay immediately showcases the minerality […]

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Technical Notes

TA 0.68g/100mL
pH 3.41
Alc. 14.4%
Sugar residual sugars...
Barrel Description 20% new, 10% 1yr., 14% 2yr., 56% 3+yr.
Barrel Aged 17 months
Technical Notes PDF

Winemakers Notes

In the glass, an alluring yellow hue with a green glint summons the senses. At first nosing, the Williams Selyem Drake Estate Vineyard Chardonnay immediately showcases the minerality of the vineyard site in Guerneville. Star fruit, yellow apple, pear skin, and quince are perfectly complemented by subtle notes of nutmeg and cardamom. In the mouth, there is an eruption of pear and Meyer lemon skin that are accompanied by a juicy acidity that seems to cleanse the palate.

Harvest Notes

Continuing the string of great vintages, 2014 completes the trifecta of extremely high quality growing seasons. The 2014s exhibit a great purity of place, with generous fruit and elegant textures. The 2014 growing season started out as one of the driest winters on record with only 40% of normal rainfall by mid-season. Due to the extremely dry conditions over the winter months, many of the vineyards were irrigated in December and January to ensure the vines had enough moisture, effectively mimicking winter rainfall. It was another early bud break season; almost 14 days earlier than “normal.” When rain in early April finally appeared it helped replenish the soil’s moisture profile to re-invigorate the plants and boost growth. May brought flowering, as expected, and fruit set was bountiful overall for a third straight year. The harvest season was near perfect with warm temperatures, which allowed for a leisurely picking schedule. 2014 was a wonderful growing season that has yielded another fine set of wines that speak of the place. In short, 2014 is another superb vintage of compelling nature and should allow for long-range cellaring for those to choose to age their wines for 7- 10 years.

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