This limited bottling of Chardonnay is grown in a two acre, low vigor section of the Lafond Vineyard’s 6 acre Wente Clone Block that was planted in 1976.
The age of the vines and the difficult growing conditions (low nutrient marine sand and gravel that retains very little water) combined with one of the world’s best micro-climates for Chardonnay sets the stage for a powerful expression of depth and fruit intensity.
The grapes were picked on September 30, just over two weeks later than average. 2005 was finally a harvest of bountiful grape yields and we able to harvest a more normal amount of fruit from this vineyard section where yields are always meager.
Not only is this a vineyard selection, but it is also winemaker Bruce McGuire’s selection of barrels showing the greatest flavor intensity from our Wente Clone Block. The wine was aged 10 months in eleven barrels, uncracked and sur lees. Chardonnay showing the depth and richness of this wine is a special treat with rich foods such as pork roast, lobster or salmon. Also try it as an appetite inducing pre-meal delicacy.
This wine should show full development in 2009 and be a delight through 2011.
261 cases produced. Retail 40.00(750ml) To order
This week we are picking Chardonnay from our neighbor, Hilltop Ranch. Hilltop Ranch has 32 acres of Chardonnay which we have purchased for many years. As a good neighbor, we go through their property to access our vineyard on the north side of the river. This is an older vineyard, close to 30 years, and it has been upgraded in the past few years using a modern trellis system producing an excellent fruit.
Since they do not pick at night their second picking, about 7 tons, is stored in our large walk-in cooler overnight, while the first load picked early, also 7 tons, is processed at the winery.
All our white wines are made at the Santa Barbara Winery which as an urban winery poses unique problems but also advantages. The main problem, of course, is traffic but the advantages — services, power and delivery — compensate.
The slideshow — from picking to pressing. You can enlarge the image by clicking it (it may take a little practice).
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A video by David Lafond using a camcorder in one hand and with the other sampling our neighbor Hilltop Vineyard’s Chardonnay, driving his ATV accross the river, extracting the juice, testing and capturing his disappointment — not easy.
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2006 Reserve Chardonnay
The Santa Rita Hills of the western Santa Ynez Valley is an area were local geography influences the climate to create conditions unusually well suited for growing world class Chardonnay. We give this wine a “reserve” designation because these grapes are harvested from distinct soil types and Chardonnay clones that yield the greatest flavor concentration and fruit intensity. The resulting wine is full-bodied and richly textured with complexity of flavor further enhanced by barrel fermentation.
Three to five years of bottle aging allows the wine to open up and show off well-integrated flavors. In 2006, Winemaker Bruce McGuire honed in on the Wente Clone blocks from our Lafond Vineyard our neighbor, Hill Top Ranch and the old Sanford and Benedict Vineyard just down Santa Rosa Road. Planted thirty years ago, one of the Lafond lots is 30% of the total blend and contributes aromatics and texture.
The other two vineyards were planted in the 1970’s in sand and gravel. These low vigor lots afford the wine great concentration and fruit. We find this full-bodied style to be an ideal match with hearty, rich foods like salmon, pork roast, and of course, lobster.
1321 cases produced
Suggested Retail 22.00
To order from the web.
At Santa Barbara Winery we are now receiving Sauvignon Blanc grapes but Chardonnay is not far behind.
David Lafond has taken some photos of the Chardonnay in our Lafond Vineyard that show off its golden qualities.
The Santa Rita Hills appellation is known for both its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay although the former is getting all the press lately. Chardonnay will, undoubtedly, begin to receive the same recognition and we would point to our 2005 Lafond, Lafond Vineyard Chardonnay as an example — balanced, fruity and complex with none of its components dominating.
This is a block of Riesling that was planted last year. The workers are removing all but one cane, selecting the strongest, and tying it to the post. In a few weeks they will return and cut the cane at the bottom wire to encourage the growth of lateral canes which will carry the fruit next year.
This is our new Charddonnay block, in the Lafond Vineyards, that we all think will be our stellar block. Each plant is enclosed in a cardboard carton, similar to a milk carton, to protect it from the elements, mostly wind, and at the same time provide a warmer micro climate within the tube.
The plant will soon push out beyond the carton but for now we have a picture of what is going on inside.
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