2017 Lewis MacGregor Estate Vineyard Chardonnay

HOLD
DRINK
2020-2027 OPTIMAL DRINKING WINDOW
Russian River Valley Lewis MacGregor Estate Vineyard
RELEASE PRICE $65 Past Release

Winemakers Notes

Pear and yellow apple notes along with delicate white flowers saturate the aromatics, while subtle hints of fresh tangerine brighten up the nose. Concentrated in the mouth, the […]

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Technical Notes

TA 0.69g/100mL
pH 3.15
Alc. 14.9%
Barrel Description 3% new, 12% 1 yr., 18% 2 yr., 40% 3 yr. +
Barrel Aged 16 months
Technical Notes PDF

Winemakers Notes

Pear and yellow apple notes along with delicate white flowers saturate the aromatics, while subtle hints of fresh tangerine brighten up the nose. Concentrated in the mouth, the wine showcases a sense of power while leaving no impression of heaviness. Always bright in acidity, the sheer concentration keeps the balance in alignment. Flavors of pear and apple permeate the palate while a mineral signature comes through on the finish.

Harvest Notes

It was an auspicious start to the 2017 growing season with steady rain followed by dry spells which allowed for the soil profile to fill up progressively. The waterworks kicked into high gear in January at which point over 20 inches of rain had accumulated. That’s nearly double the historical average. 2017 was epic in many respects and at one point the Russian River waters touched Westside Road and the winery was waterfront property! As the waters receded and the soil dried up, temperatures moderated, and bud break ensued by mid-March. Steady rain through the vegetative cycle was balanced with days of brilliant sunshine which helped to grow green, healthy plants. The weather was very fine in May for the flowering period and ideal for the fruit set. As the season progressed there were periods of heat that occurred with some regularity. With plenty of water in the soil profile, the plants did not stress too much and physiological maturity continued at an accelerated pace. Due to the diversity in our vineyard sources, there is normally a natural spread in the pick dates. However, in 2017 there was compression of the harvest and many of the vineyards were ready in a short period of time. The process was nearly complete by the time the intense Labor Day heat wave hit and, thankfully, had concluded before the devastating wildfires in October. Through a Herculean effort in the vineyards and at the winery we were able to pick the grapes at the optimal time and preserve the freshness and acidity of the vintage. The consequent wines show a refinement to the tannin structure which will allow for early consumption but will age gracefully with mid-term cellaring. Through and through, the 2017 is an excellent vintage.

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Reviews & Scores

90 Points

Wine & Spirits

This vineyard on Eastside Road was predominantly planted to Wente clone Chardonnay when Williams Selyem purchased it in 2014. While they replaced much of the Chardonnay with Pinot Noir, what is left produced a ripe and meaty white. It’s a little confected at first, but air brings out the stony mineral savor while the bright, honeyed sweetness moves toward beeswax. For a grilled salmon steak. Reviewed by Joshua Greene.

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