Product Description
Harvest Notes
To describe the 2010 growing I season I like to use the analogy of
riding a roller coaster. Abundant rains in the winter 2009 and
spring 2010 broke a three year drought and replenished groundwater
for the season. Spring and summer along the Sonoma Coast was
persistently foggy and cold, resulting in only a handful of days over
90 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold growing season pushed harvest
back nearly one month and produced miniscule yields. The small,
but exceptional, crop we harvested produced grapes with crisp
acidity, and intense flavors.
Winegrower Notes
This spectacular vineyard sits along Laguna Ridge at the edge of
the Green Valley AVA. Meticulously farmed and planted at a
very high density of 2420 vines per acre, the vineyard is planted
to Dijon clone 548 and 95. Once a spectacular apple orchard, we
pay homage to the Martinelli Family and the history of the site by
naming the wine La Pommeraie French for apple orchard.
Tasting Notes
This intense and concentrated single vineyard Chardonnay
begins with vivid aromas of acacia, quince and citrus blossom.
The vibrancy of the wines aroma is matched by its opulent
texture and layered flavors of candied grapefruit, dried apricot
with a mineral laden finish. Indigenous yeast fermentation in
French oak barrels and extended aging of 16 months on lees has
produced a wine with exceptional complexity.
Vineyard Sources
George Martinelli, Frei Road Vineyard
Harvest Data
September 28th , 2010 | Alcohol 14.5% | pH 3.36 | TA 0.78
Fermentation
Whole cluster pressed, indigenous yeast fermentation and weekly
battonage
Cooperage
16 months in French Oak - 36% new
Bottling
March 29, 2012
Cases Produced
273 cases
Release Date
August 2012
