Joseph Phelps Chardonnay Freestone Vineyard

”Aging: 13 months in 35% new and 65% two- to three-year-old French oak puncheons and barrels. Winemaking Notes: To preserve fruit integrity and freshness our vineyards are picked under lights and whole cluster pressing cold directly to barrel for fermentation. Barrels were stirred as necessary during malolactic fermentation resulting in a focused opulent wine. Bright and fresh the 2015 Chardonnay envelopes the senses with lemon zest green apple and jasmine aromas. A richly textured mouth feel with inviting citrus notes stone fruit and lemon custard throughout the palate followed by crushed oyster shell minerality and a subtle toasted brioche finish. Growing Season: The 2015 Sonoma Coast growing season experienced dry mild winter and spring temperatures similar to the prior three growing seasons. Bud break was 3-4 weeks earlier than normal followed by an early period of bloom. May temperatures were cool but August and September were consistently warm creating condit