Winemaker Notes

A delicate gold color. Intense nose of floral aromas, toasted bread and a hint of oak. A wine of mineral notes, with elegant citrus, kiwi and pear flavors and a streamlined complexity. Inviting aromas of citrus fruit, lemon blossom, acacia, white nectarine, wet stone and subtle spice. A vibrant refreshing wine. On the palate, perfectly bal­anced oak and fruit flavor supported by lovely notes of yellow pear and apple, white flowers and citrus oil. Elegant balanced acidity, this wine reveals a long finish with hints of mineral.

Climate and Harvest

2009 was a long, moderate growing season that ended with strong, wet October rains. A mild, and cool spring along with late spring rains assisted in strong vine growth. It was a dry summer, with cooler temperatures than had been seen in recent vintages. September arrived with the warmest weather of the year allowing us to harvest before the early season rains.

Overall, the more consistent lower temperatures throughout the summer, allowed for a long and balanced hang time on the vine, creating an ideal growing season for Chardonnay. The conditions were perfect for developing fruit true to the Garden Creek style - very fresh, pure aromatics coupled with deep rich minerality and high acidity. 2009 was a model season for winegrowing and is reflected in our 2009 Chardonnay. A perfect candidate for aging a decade or more more or enjoying now.