2007 Souverain Winemaker’s Reserve Chardonnay Russian River Valley

Vineyards & Vintage
Outstanding vineyard sources are the foundation for this wine. Winemaker Ed Killian carefully selects his favorite lots from among his favorite cool-climate Chardonnay vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Throughout the winemaking process, Ed nurtures each lot for their most virtuous characteristics before he finalizes his master blend. Most of the fruit is grown along the middle reach of the esteemed Russian River Valley where the cooling influences of the marine fogs enable the berries to remain on the vine until optimal ripeness is achieved. In 2007, the Chardonnay ripened in moderate daytime temperatures that accentuated the fruit flavors and good balancing acidity.

Winemaking
The Chardonnay grapes chosen for this reserve wine were pressed as whole clusters to yield the most delicate juice possible. The juice was then sent directly to French oak barrels (77% new) for fermentation. The wines were topped and then aged on the yeast lees with frequent stirring in the barrels. The rich, forward fruit of Russian River Chardonnay and the bright citrus character from the 13% Alexander Valley Chardonnay – coupled with 13 months of barrel age and full malolactic fermentation – created multi-layered spicy and toasty complexities as well as the dense, extracted mouthfeel that has become the hallmark of the Souverain Winemaker's Reserve Chardonnay.

Winemaker's Comments
Bright yellow-gold in color, the 2007 Winemaker's Reserve Chardonnay offers fresh aromas of ripe stone fruits with a tropical edge including mango, apricot and a touch of floral spice. On the palate, refined flavors of ripe pear, lemon and clove and lively acidity are rounded by ample texture, dimension and gorgeous viscosity. The wine has a medium bodied, creamy finish.