Merryvale Chardonnay, Carneros, 2006

Our 2006 Carneros Chardonnay shows bright aromas of Bartlett pear, pineapple, red apple and minerals all framed by sweet toasty oak. The wine is rich and balanced in the mid palate with a long elegant finish.

Sourced from our estate vineyard at Stanly Ranch, with a small amount from Hyde Vineyard.

The fruit for our signature Chardonnay is carefully sorted, whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented. The wine spends 10 months in French Oak (42% new), with the first seven months on primary lees, and is stirred monthly until blending.

The 2006 vintage has been described as a “growers” year by some vintners. After a late bud break due to an unseasonably cool spring, the Napa Valley experienced a record setting heat wave in July which allowed the grapes to catch up in ripening. An ideal mild weather pattern came in August and an “Indian Summer” followed into October allowing for slow and even ripening resulting in acids and sugars in perfect harmony.

Enjoy this wine with lemon-herb roasted chicken, or broiled lobster tail.

1,050 cases