2001 CHARDONNAY
ESTATE GROWN NAPA VALLEY

Tasting Notes: Our 25th anniversary vintage is classic Long Vineyards - well balanced and attractively intense. Concentration and complexity are the hallmarks of these old vineyards. The Chardonnay clones exhibit six different characters: spicy ripe apple, white peach, lemon citrus, golden delicious apple, and citrus/muscat. This aromatic complexity harmonizes with the mineral expression associated with this distinctive mountain vineyard, and it finishes with impressive length as the fruit and the ever-present flint/slate notes reassert themselves over the barrel flavors.

Grapes: Planted beginning 35 years ago on the north-facing slopes of Pritchard Hill, this 12-acre vineyard is planted at elevations from 700-1000 feet, with various slope facings and soils depths. Elevation and northern exposure give consistently moderate temperatures, resulting in great concentration and well-balanced sugar, flavor, and acidity. The grapes were harvested in eight sub-blocks over a three-week period in late summer as each was at its perfect ripeness. The Long Chardonnay clonal selection, known for its distinctive citrus, 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-fermenting and aging each lot (separately). Lees-stirring assures even absorption of oak, and malo-lactic fermentation adds complexity and depth. Each lot is aged in the barrel for 10 months until the wine is blended at bottling. François Frères barrels are used for fermentation and aging, rotating in 50% new barrels each year.

Notes from Bob Long: The winemaking team of Zelma Long, Sandi Belcher and Bob Long has together produced all 25 vintages from the estate vineyard, using oak barrels from François Frères of Burgundy. This continuity and consistency, rare in California winemaking today, has allowed us to perfect the style and quality of our wine. I expect this wine will age well in good cellar conditions for at least 10 years, and experience shows, even longer.

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