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Katherine's Chardonnay
Katherine's Chardonnay
"The 2006 vintage is bright with citrus, apple, peach, and vanilla aromas. Rich, mouth-filling flavors of grapefruit, citrus blossom, white peach, and sweet oak lead to a crisp finish with a lasting impression of spicy oak."


Denise Shurtleff, Winemaker

Winemaking

Named for proprietor Barbara Banke’s eldest daughter, Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay is a vineyard designated, estate grown wine. The vineyard is located along the famed Santa Maria Bench in Northern Santa Barbara County. To yield the best wines—intensely flavored wines that showcase both varietal and terroir equally— the vineyard is pampered throughout the growing season. Our farming crew begins leaf thinning in early summer to allow more sunlight to reach the clusters, which facilitates even ripening and better flavor development. We limit irrigation to restrict vine vigor and focus the vine’s energy on fruit production. Green harvesting is employed to remove secondary clusters and to foster growth of the primary clusters. When the grapes reach full maturity, individual blocks are handpicked one at a time by our seasoned vineyard crew.

The soil of Katherine’s Vineyard consists of ancient alluvial deposits from the Sisquoc River. Composed of sandy loam and decomposed granite, this low-nutrient medium works to restrict vine vigor. Maritime influences funnel in from the Pacific Ocean—helping to maintain mild temperatures and extend hangtime. The extra time on the vine helps balance acidity and allows the fruit to develop bright citrus and fruit flavors.

The 2005 growing season was long and even. Weather conditions were perfect for each stage of the growing season leading to very ripe and intense fruit with strong varietal characters and a larger than normal crop. Once the grapes came into the winery, they were gently whole cluster pressed to capture fresh flavors and avoid harsh tannins. Primary and malolactic fermentation took place in French and American oak barrels. Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay is aged sur lies (on the yeast lees) and stirred one to two times a month to deepen the texture and develop mouth-feel.

Wine Specifics

Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Vineyard Source: Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley
Clones: 4, 17, 76, 96
Barrel Aging: 6 1/2 months 91% French oak, (21% new) 9% American oak, (6% new)
Alcohol: 13.9%
pH: 3.37
Total Acidity: 0.63 g/100ml
Bottling Date: July 2007
Release Date: December 2007


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