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2005 Chardonnay
Anden Vineyard, Dijon Clone Release Date: 2/1/07 Retail Price $: 25.00 Availability: 378 cases Production Notes After whole cluster pressing, the juice is barrel fermented using three yeasts. The wine finished malolactic fermentation and was aged sur lees for 12 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Crop Level 2.5 tons/acre This Dijon clone Chardonnay's flavors and texture will complement white meat entrees with rich flavors and game birds . It will benefit from up to 6 years of bottle age. |
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Winemaker Notes
More than a decade ago, it was clear that the future potential for Chardonnay in Oregon would lie in newly available clones from Burgundy-the 'Dijon' clones. As soon as these were available in commercial quantities, I contracted with the growers of Seven Springs (now called Anden) Vineyard to replace all of our California clones with the newer plantings. Production began 1998 and as the vines get older, the resulting wines improve.
The Seven Springs Dijon clone Chardonnays have a Puligny-like character: sweet fruit and spice with great length. The Freedom Hill Dijon clone Chardonnays are more Mersault-like, darker fruit with a stony minerality and rich textures in the mouth.
Tasting Notes
Each year the Chardonnay ripens at the same time as the Pinot noir block a few rows over. This may not seem amazing, but when the same area was planted to the 108 clone, it took two to three weeks after the Pinot noir was picked for the Chardonnay to barely get ripe.
Anden Chardonnay is both fruit and texture driven. For me, great Chardonnay must have lovely fruit, acidity, viscosity, and complexity of flavor. The wood must be in balance and act to compliment the wine, not be "catnip for humans". When Chardonnay is truly layered and in balance, it is very versatile to eat with, and fun to drink. I fully agree that most Chardonnays are mono-chromatic and out of balance. This wine is very layered and has an very long finish.
2005 was a relatively late Oregon vintage. Moderate crops matured fully after a warm and dry summer. Heavy rains in late September allowed a much needed drink for the vines which were picked 10 days later.
Carmelized pear and ripe citrus aromas are followed by ripe pear and lemon curd flavors. This
Chardonnay has bright acidity, rich textures throughout the palate and loads of sweet fruit into the finish. The oak component is completely integrated, adding fullness to the texture and length to the finish.
Try Anden Chardonnay with grilled chicken, tuna, swordfish, lobster (a classic), or even foods as flavorful as duck breast. For reasons that I can not explain, the Chardonnays from this site are fantastic with ASPARAGUS. Yes, the bane of wine, it actually brings out the fruit and tastes lovely. If I am wrong, call me up, I'll replace the bottle. Enjoy!