Technical Details

Composition:
100% Chardonnay

Vineyard Sources:
51% Rita's Crown
25% Rancho Santa Rosa
24% Fe Ciega

Production: 188 cases
Alcohol by volume: 13.8%
pH: 3.32
Titratable acidity: 0.67 g/100ml
Cellaring potential: Four to six years
Bottle price: $45

Inspiration
Our finest blend of Chardonnay is named after my wife and winery partner, Diana. Using my 30 years of experience of working with Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay grapes, I created a blend that epitomizes the best of this world-class wine region.

Harvest
The harvest of 2013 began earlier than normal due to warm weather in late August. The grapes from the three component vineyards were harvested from September 3rd through September 9th, 2013. The average sugar content was 22.9 Brix with excellent levels of acidity.

Winemaking
The grapes were whole-cluster pressed and the juice settled for 24 hours before being racked to French oak barrels for fermentation. The three wines aged sur lie for ten months before being blended and prepared for bottling. Only 14% of the wine aged in new French oak barrels in an effort to let the varietal character take center stage without the intrusion of new oak flavors and aromas.

The Wine
The wine displays a medium gold color with aromas of apples, pears, cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate the wine is rich and moderately viscous with flavors of apples and crème brûlée in the finish. The wine's excellent acidity provides a long, lingering and refreshing finish.

Food Pairings
This is an elegant wine with a rich texture and full flavors. It will pair well with a variety of foods, including full-flavored fish, lobster and roasted chicken.