Wine Article

2006 Peay Vineyards Estate Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
The 2006 Peay Vineyard Estate Chardonnay strikes a balance between the crisp 2004 and the fleshier 2005 Estate Chardonnays leaning more towards the style of the 2004. As our Chardonnay vines age a unique character and breed is evolving in the wines. The 2006 continues this progression. The 2006 is a blend of clones 76, 95, 96 and the Robert Young and Hyde selections. It was picked from September 27th through October 10th, hand-sorted, aged in 42% new French oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The nose is focused with aromas of lemon and quince supported by limestone and flint contributed by the very low yielding Hyde and 76 clones. The wine opens on the front of the palate with lime, almond and golden delicious apples and as it carries across the palate broadens to become silky and creamy with hints of lemon curd and gun flint. The oak is very well-integrated at even this young age. The acid is clean and crisp and the finish long and lingering. I recommend aging the Estate Chardonnay for 2-3 years for the various features to gain cohesion. If you prefer more mature flavors the healthy acidity in the wine will allow further aging in bottle without losing vivacity. 885 cases produced.