2000 CHARDONNAY
ESTATE GROWN NAPA VALLEY

Tasting Notes: A very well-balanced vintage, this wine is attractively brisk on the palate, with concentrated spiced green apple, mineral, white peach, vanilla cream and pineapple scents in fine harmony, showcasing the varietal intensity and mineral expression associated with this distinctive mountain vineyard. It finishes with both charm and impressive length as golden fig, tropical fruit, and the ever-present flint/slate notes reassert their dominance over the barrel flavors in the finish.

Grapes: Planted 35 years ago on the north-facing slopes of Pritchard Hill, overlooking Lake Hennessey, this 13-acre vineyard is planted at elevations from 600-1000 feet, with various compass facings and soils depths, the grapes were harvested in 10 sub-blocks over a three-week period in late summer as each was at its perfect ripeness.The Long Chardonnay clone, known for its distinctive citrus, melon, muscat aromas, was brought to the U.S. by Wente in the 40s from Meursault / Montrachet.

Vinification: Crushing and pressing are quickly done in a one-ton basket press, barrel-fermentation and aging each lot (separately); and lees-stirring, assuring even absorption of oak and malo-lactic fermentation, adding complexity and depth. Each Chardonnay lot is aged in the barrel for nine to ten months until the wine is blended at bottling. François Frères barrels are used for fermentation and aging, rotating in 50% new barrels every year.

Notes from Bob Long: Streamlined and exquisitely focused to the end, it delivers real pleasure already, but will surely grow in depth over the next few years. As with previous Long Vineyards Estate Chardonnays, the mineral accents can be counted on to keep the wine in balance as its opulent fruit gracefully ages. This is the 24th vintage made by Sandi Belcher, Zelma Long and me.

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