2006 Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay

This year’s ultra-cool vintage lent itself to a more focused, lower alcohol, higher acid wine that is nicely rounded out by French Oak. Vivid aromas of lemon, apple and minerals continue through to the palate, and a firm acid base keeps the wine fresh and crisp. A beautifully balanced mouthfeel marks this wine as a fine Russian River Valley Chardonnay, but is also faintly reminiscent of French Chablis. An excellent food wine.

Vintage Notes

The 2006 vintage began slowly, with cooler-than-normal temperatures. Rising summer temperatures culminated with a July heat spike that balanced the season’s earlier, cool temperatures. Mild weather as harvest time approached allowed fruit an extended hang time on the vine, encouraging full flavor development and rich color concentration. Scattered rain showers kept growers and vineyard crews on their toes and mandated strict hand sorting before the grapes were sent off to the destemmer. Slightly lower alcohol levels and focused flavors were the hallmarks of the vintage.

Awards & Ratings

90 Points —Wine Enthusiast