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1999 Chardonnay
Seven Springs Vineyard, Dijon Clone Release Date: 2/1/01 Retail Price $: 20.00 Availability: 213 cases Production Notes Seven Springs Vineyard overlooks the fertile Willamette Valley from its position in the hills west of Salem. Growing on a steep southeast slope, the vines are protected from maritime winds by a fold in the hills. The soil is shallow clay over fractured rock at an elevation of 400'. The vineyard was replanted with Dijon clones of Chardonnay which ripen fully in Oregon's cool climate and are picked at the same time as Pinot noir. After whole cluster pressing, the juice is barrel fermented using three yeasts in 44% new French oak barrels. The wine finished malolactic fermentation and was aged sur lees for 14 months. |
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Winemaker Notes
This wine marks the transition between the production techniques used to produce 108 clone Chardonnay (1988 -1997) and the Dijon Chardonnay (1998+). The older style used skin contact and extensive lees aging to add texture and flavor to fruit that never quite got ripe. Dijon clone Chardonnay grapes get incredibly ripe, can support more new oak, and have lots of fruit flavors. This produces a more balanced wine with beautiful fruit at its center.
The Seven Springs Dijon clone Chardonnays have a Puligny-like charactor: sweet fruit and spice with great length. The Freedom Hill Dijon clone Chardonnays are more Mersault-like, darker fruit with a stoney minerality and rich textures in the mouth.
Tasting Notes
The nose has aromas of ripe peaches, dried pears, sweet spice, and flowers. The intensity of fruit carries into the mouth and is supported by lovely acidity. The flavors of fruit and spice extend through the wine's incredibly lengthy finish. I have had this wine with mussels, firm fleshed fish, portabello mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and buttery reduced sauces. Each time the match worked beautifully. The wine says "feed me".