Kenwood Chardonnay

Wine Description
Fruit aromas of pippin apples and banana combine with rich vanilla and gingerbread notes, lush and viscous mouth feel with a crisp, lingering finish.

Winemaker Notes
Combining grapes from the cool climate regions of southern Sonoma Valley and the Russian River Valley, Kenwood’s Sonoma County Chardonnay nicely balances the classic fruit flavors of this varietal with subtle notes of French oak aging.

The 2009 vintage was marked by a mild dry spring followed by more temperate weather during the summer growing season. The near perfect weather produced Chardonnay with exceptional character and flavor. Beginning in early September the grapes were picked by hand and brought to the winery for pressing. After harvest, two thirds of the juice was fermented in French oak and aged on the lees for five months to add viscosity and
complexity to the blend. The remaining juice was fermented in stainless steel and aged in upright oak tanks to retain the varietal’s fresh natural flavor. After fermentation the barrel lots used in the blend underwent a secondary malolactic fermentation to enhance the wine’s rich, round flavors.

Food Recommendations
This refreshing Chardonnay is enjoyable as an aperitif and as an accompaniment to fresh greens, chicken and seafood dishes.

WINE PROFILE
Appellation: Sonoma County
Aging: 5 months in French oak
Acid/pH: 6.50/3.40
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 80,500 cases
Bottled: February & April 2010

Tasting Date: September 2011
Vintage:
Varietal: Chardonnay
Country: California, Sonoma County
Retail Price on Tasting Date: $9.99