Beringer Chardonnay, Stanly Ranch 2005
Region: Carneros
Winery: Beringer Vineyards
Variety: Chardonnay

WINEMAKER'S NOTES“For years Ed and I have been using Chardonnay from Stanly Ranch as complexity-enhancing component of our Napa Valley Chardonnay. Having experimented with various lots from this vineyard, we decided to bottle a Stanly Ranch vineyard-designated Chardonnay focusing on specific Burgundian clones planted on Stanly Ranch because the fruit had a discernible personality that I love to capture.”--Laurie Hook, Winemaker
THE VINEYARDSThe “Los Carneros” growing area, which borders on San Pablo Bay at the southern end of Napa Valley, was recognized as a separate American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1983. Because of its shallow, well-drained soils and marine-influenced climate, it is considered one of Napa Valley’s best growing areas for the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals. Even at the height of summer, nights are cool and the vineyards are wrapped in fog in the mornings, so the grapes’ natural acids are preserved as a balance to the ripe fruit flavors that develop during sunny afternoons. Beringer’s Stanly Ranch is on the northeastern side of Carneros, just north of the Napa River delta.
WINEMAKINGWinemaker Laurie Hook sent a portion of the fruit directly to the press, bypassing the stemmer-crusher to protect the Chardonnay’s more delicate, fresh aromas and flavors. After pressing, 85 percent of the wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks. Fifteen percent of the wine was barrel fermented in French oak barrels and then aged for ten months. Laurie chose not to put the wine through malolactic fermentation to further show the bright fruit characteristics. As a result this Chardonnay features aromas of fig, honeydew, citrus and orange blossom leading into concentrated flavors of melon, tart green apples, stone fruit and lemon zest. Nutmeg and mineral undertones are framed by a juicy, tangerine-like acidity that leads into a bright, rich finish.
ACCOLADES2005 Stanly Ranch ChardonnayRATED 87 - Wine Advocate“… a Chablis-styled, fresh, lively, medium-bodied white exhibiting loads of tart lemons, fresh white currants, and a hint of spring flowers.”(Robert Parker Jr.) Dec. 26, 2006
ALCOHOL: 14.1% RES. SUGAR: .28 ACIDITY: 0.72 g/100ml pH: 3.18

Posted by thewinery on December 1st, 2007 at 9:51am | report comment