Chardonnay

WINEMAKING NOTES Crafted to celebrate Smoking Loons 11th Vintageour Steel Anniversaryour 2011 Smoking Loon Steelbird is a Chardonnay with a dierence. We kicked the oak to the curb aging this wine for 8 months in 100% stainless steel. The wine opens with a lovely oral bouquet of orange blossom and honeysuckle, followed by notes of apricot, pear nectar and ruby red grapefruit. This medium-bodied wine is bright and vibrant on the palate, with refreshing avors of Meyer lemon, Honeycrisp apple, and stone fruit with a touch of crème fraiche. The grapes for Steelbird were picked early to ensure naturally elevated levels of acidity. A portion of the wine blend was given extended lees contact to impart a bit of structure and creaminess. The result is a stark departure from our regular Smoking Loon Chardonnay; less weight, higher acidity, pure fruit without any distractions, nishing very clean and crisp. FOOD PAIRING Displaying great balance and versatility our 2011 Smoking Loon Steelbird Unoaked Chardonnay is sure to become a Summer favorite. It will pair nicely with a wide variety of dishes, from honey-lime shrimp tacos, to savory stued mushrooms or even a simple Caesar salad. OUR PHILOSOPHY Using a classic négociant approach to wine, we comb Californias best growing regions each vintage to source fruit for our full-bodied wines. Made for people who appreciate wine without pretense, Smoking Loon is a tribute to the independent bohemian side of the Golden State. APPELLATION California WINEMAKER Greg Kitchens ALCOHOL 13.5% PH 3.48 TA 6.6g/L RS 2.6g/L UPC 0 17444 00089 3 VARIETAL Chardonnay 85% Chardonnay 7% Vermentino 6% Symphony 2% Verdelho VINTAGE 2011