Fetzer Vineyards Valley Oaks Chardonnay 2005
Region: California
Winery: Fetzer Vineyards
Variety: Chardonnay

A Thought From Winemaker Dennis Martin
“With each new vintage, I recall why I enjoy making wine. Starting fresh each spring energizes me. My sense of personal renewal shows, I think, in our Chardonnay. When long work days are done I like to relax and refresh with good friends. Our Valley Oaks Chardonnay is always invited.”
Growing Season
I checked myself in the mirror quite often during this growing season to see if I’d sported gills, since the rain came early and often. In mid-June, the rain fell to everyone’s surprise and we had early worries about a very wet May, right in the middle of bloom when it’s generally, historically dry. Warm March days accelerated the growth cycle, so we worried about frost protection. Mid-summer heat brought further wrinkles to my brow, and some varietals were predicted to be short once harvest began. Go figure. It’s a record year for size of harvest, with top quality, and few shortages. So much wine came to the winery that finding tank and barrel storage became a months long headache. In the end, it was well worth it, and you’ll find the result in these truly exceptional wines from the 2005 vintage, especially our Chardonnay.

Notes On The Wine
We’re keenly aware that our Chardonnay ranks one of the most beloved wines in America. For that reason, we pay special attention to getting it just right with every vintage. Our signature style carries over year to year, achieved in part by fermenting just a third of the wine in oak, and allowing a small percentage to complete malolactic fermentation prior to aging. The result is a crisp, clean wine offering lots of bright fruit, layers of flavor and lots of smiles for our fans.

Taste With the Winemaker
Valley Oaks Chardonnay is characteristically golden straw in color, with aromas of tropical fruit layered with lemon grass, lime, a touch of peach and some herbal notes of clove. The wine is crafted to be medium weight, with vanilla, baked apple and pear alongside flavors of citrus and grapefruit. You won’t be disappointed in this vintage: it’s like saying hello to an old friend.


Alcohol 13.5% * Total Acidity .65gms/100ml * pH 3.48

Posted by thewinery on December 1st, 2007 at 10:50am | report comment