WINERY VINTAGE NOTES:
The near perfect 2016 growing season started with a warm February and early bud break. While California's drought continued, rains were sufficient to meet the vineyard's needs. Cool damp conditions at blooming resulted in a smaller than normal fruit set. After veraison, a single pass of green harvest brought the crop into optimal balance. Overall, the vintage was slightly cooler than average, with consistently warm and sunny conditions and only one heat spike. Moderate temperatures at harvest allowed gradual picking as each block achieved perfection, providing excellent flavor development and slightly lower potential alcohol. The vintage produced delicate, classically styled Chardonnays with crisp acidity and uncommon ageability.
La Carriere, French for "the quarry," aptly describes this vineyard's bowl shape and its tremendously rocky soils. Situated between 1,200 and 1,700 feet above sea level on steep mountain slopes exceeding forty percent in grade, the vineyard has ideal southern and southeastern exposures. The vineyard's shallow rocky soils provide excellent drainage, low fertility and usually the lowest yields on the estate. La Carriere, with its concentrated "liquid minerality," effectively reflects its mountainous origin.
WINEMAKER'S TASTING NOTES:
The signature of this vineyard remains its terroir-driven minerality. The nose is dominated by aromas of brioche, toasted almond, dry honey, vine blossom, hazelnut and William pear. Accents of orange blossom, acacia, honey and vanilla complete the elegant bouquet. Citrus oil, white peach and lemon highlight the minerality. Magnificent concentration and elegance on the palate sculpt the structure of this wine, offering intensity and richness. While approachable now, the 2016 La Carriere will handsomely reward two years of cellaring and will continue to develop for a decade or more.
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