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The 2008 vintage Chardonnay showcases our expressive Napa Valley fruit and small lot craftsmanship. Timehonored techniques like barrel fermentation and the use of wild yeasts result in lively, bright fruit and mineral flavors that are both in harmony and balance with subtle layers of complexity. Aging for eight months on the lees (sur lie) in small oak barrels gives further richness and depth.The 2008 vintage began with low rainfall and finished with a lower crop size and high quality. The growing season was dramatic with many spring frosts, but a very moderate summer followed, with warm days and cool nights for perfect flavor development. A 10day heat spell in early September propelled the harvest, and Chardonnay picking began September 3, about normal, and finished October 9 in the cooler Carneros vineyards.The wine is full bodied, yet elegantly structured with delicate mineral, honey, citrus and stone fruit characters from the Carneros lots, and classic pear and apple notes from the South Napa vineyards. The aromas are seamless; a benefit of fermentation and aging in oak barrels, and the mouthfeel plush and round from the wild yeast.