2017 Olivet Lane Vineyard Chardonnay

HOLD
DRINK
2020-2027 OPTIMAL DRINKING WINDOW
Russian River Valley Olivet Lane Vineyard
RELEASE PRICE $65 Past Release

Winemakers Notes

Yellow apple and Comice pear marry to produce a rich aromatic profile. Subtle notes of jasmine and chamomile offer a brightness and liveliness on the nose. Hints of […]

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Technical Notes

TA 0.62g/100mL
pH 3.41
Alc. 14.8%
Barrel Description 32% new, 33% 1 yr., 37% 3 yr.
Barrel Aged 13 months
Technical Notes PDF

Winemakers Notes

Yellow apple and Comice pear marry to produce a rich aromatic profile. Subtle notes of jasmine and chamomile offer a brightness and liveliness on the nose. Hints of matcha tea further add to the intrigue in this exciting offering from the Olivet Lane Vineyard. In the mouth, the yellow apple and pear flavors lead to hints of green tea. Fruit sourced from old vines lends to the rich but well-balanced palate which has the right amount of acidity and a fine tannin structure. A subtle minerality lengthens the finish on this spectacular wine.

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

94 Points

Wine Advocate

The 2017 Chardonnay Olivet Lane Vineyard has an open, gregarious nose of baked apple pie and peach cobbler with honeysuckle, roasted almonds, Greek yogurt and spice. Medium to full-bodied, it offers lots of savory fruit layers in the mouth with great juicy acidity and a long, honeyed/nutty finish. 368 cases produced. Anticipated maturity: 2019 - 2027.

90 Points

Wine and Spirits

This grows at the Pellegrini family's vineyard in the center of the Russian river Valley, on vines they planted soon after purchasing the property in 1973. It's old-Wente-clone chardonnay, presented here in a deeply colored wine with flavors of butterscotch, apricot, and yellow plum. Scents of apple blossoms develop as the toastiness of the oak recedes with air. Pour it with a creamy veal stew. -J.G.

94 Points

Wine Enthusiast

This is a fresh, vibrant and all-around high-toned white from the heart of the Olivet Lane District. It is full in weight and concentrated in welcoming teases of citrus pith, lemongrass and ginger. —V.B.

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