Outlot Chardonnay 2017
VINIFICATION
The 2017 harvest commenced in early August and due to cooler weather, continued slowly. These grapes were picked on September 1st, just before the temperature dramatically shifted and the 100+ degree weather that arrived over Labor Day. Warm days with cool nights led to riper flavors at low sugar levels and incredible brightness and fresh acidity in the fruit.
Our vineyards are planted to a range of clones, from the famed perfumed Dijon clones to the fleshy clone 17, to the tropical clone 4. Through
small-lot fermentation, we enhance the distinction of each clone, then blend in proportions that bring the best of each to the resulting wine.
The grapes were harvested in the morning and whole-cluster pressed. Following fermentation in French oak barrels, the wine was allowed to remain in contact with the yeast lees for the entire nine-month maturation period and stirred periodically in order to integrate the nutty deep flavors of the lees into the wine. Approximately half of the blend underwent malolactic fermentation
TASTING NOTES
The color is a medium pale golden yellow with aromas of pear, fig, and tropical fruit showcasing the wine’s fruit intensity. Stone fruit flavors are complemented by pretty notes of balanced oak. Undertones of butterscotch and vanilla provide complexity. The initial creaminess on the palate evolves into a crisp finish.
VARIETAL COMPOSITION
90% Chardonnay
10% Gewürztraminer
APPELLATION
48% Alexander Valley
42% Dry Creek Valley
10% Mendocino County
DETAILS
Alcohol: 14.2%
Residual Sugar: 3.0 g/L
TA: 6.10 g/L
pH: 3.51
Outlot by definition, is a piece of land situated outside a town or city limits. Outlot, to us, is the special area just outside Healdsburg, fondly known to locals as the “Magnolia Peninsula”. Bordered to the west by Dry Creek, the east by Foss Creek, and the south by the Russian River, this area has a long and rich history filled with stories of great ranches and exclusive resorts.
