Wine Article
2014 Raymond Chardonnay Reserve
Last edited on 9/26/2016 by Cesare
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Varietals: 100% Chardonnay
Fermentation: 7 months, 75% French oak (20% new), 25% stainless steel
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.59
TA: 6.2
In the Vineyard
The grapes for the Napa Valley Chardonnay come from our estate vineyards in Jameson Canyon and select Napa Valley growers. The estate vineyards are planted on rolling hills at the southern end of Napa Valley. The growing conditions in the Jameson Canyon are very similar to Carneros, the neighboring appellation just west of the Napa River. Winds flow through Jameson Canyon, carrying in the cooling influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean and providing a long, cool growing season that enhances the intensity of the Chardonnay flavors.
About the Vintage
The 2014 vintage in Napa Valley was one of the earliest harvested vintages in years. A warm spring led to early bud break and created the perfect environment for flowering and fruit set. With warm days and cool nights, our team was able to maintain ideal acid levels with optimum, bright fruit flavors.
Conversations with the Winemaker
Using no malolactic fermentation, moderate oak influence, and sur-lie aging, our Napa Valley Chardonnay is made in a style that focuses on the inherent qualities of this varietal. To preserve the unique Chardonnay aromas and flavors of grapes grown in this region, the wine was whole cluster pressed and cold fermented in stainless steel tanks. Post fermentation, the wine was fermented and aged sur lie (on the yeast lees) for 9 months, with periodic lees stirring, in 75% Nevers and Allier French oak barrels (20% new French oak) and 25% in stainless steel. The blending of barrel aged and stainless-steel aged juice lends greater complexity and roundness to the final wine while stirring the lees adds creaminess to the wine’s mid-palate.
Fermentation: 7 months, 75% French oak (20% new), 25% stainless steel
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.59
TA: 6.2
In the Vineyard
The grapes for the Napa Valley Chardonnay come from our estate vineyards in Jameson Canyon and select Napa Valley growers. The estate vineyards are planted on rolling hills at the southern end of Napa Valley. The growing conditions in the Jameson Canyon are very similar to Carneros, the neighboring appellation just west of the Napa River. Winds flow through Jameson Canyon, carrying in the cooling influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean and providing a long, cool growing season that enhances the intensity of the Chardonnay flavors.
About the Vintage
The 2014 vintage in Napa Valley was one of the earliest harvested vintages in years. A warm spring led to early bud break and created the perfect environment for flowering and fruit set. With warm days and cool nights, our team was able to maintain ideal acid levels with optimum, bright fruit flavors.
Conversations with the Winemaker
Using no malolactic fermentation, moderate oak influence, and sur-lie aging, our Napa Valley Chardonnay is made in a style that focuses on the inherent qualities of this varietal. To preserve the unique Chardonnay aromas and flavors of grapes grown in this region, the wine was whole cluster pressed and cold fermented in stainless steel tanks. Post fermentation, the wine was fermented and aged sur lie (on the yeast lees) for 9 months, with periodic lees stirring, in 75% Nevers and Allier French oak barrels (20% new French oak) and 25% in stainless steel. The blending of barrel aged and stainless-steel aged juice lends greater complexity and roundness to the final wine while stirring the lees adds creaminess to the wine’s mid-palate.