2002 CHARDONNAY
ESTATE GROWN NAPA VALLEY

Tasting Notes: Our 26th vintage is classic Long Vineyards – well balanced and attractively intense. Concentration and complexity are the hallmarks of these 20 to 30 year old vineyards. Our Chardonnay selection exhibits several different flavors and aromas: citrus/melon, white peach, lemon/butter, and muscat/honeysuckle. 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. Great with Smoked Quail

Grapes: Planted beginning 35 years ago on the north-facing slopes of Pritchard Hill, this 12-acre vineyard is planted at elevations from 800-1100 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 selection, is known for its distinctive citrus, muscat aromas, was brought to the U.S. by Wente in the 40s from Meursault / Montrachet. This wine is not blended with other varieties or vineyards.

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 10-12 months or 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 goal of Long Vineyards winemaking is to produce wines of great harmony and balance where the flavors and aromas of the grapes and oak are in the correct proportion. We pride ourselves in making wine that is easy to drink, ages well and affords great matches with food. This vintage of Chardonnay has exceptionally well developed flavors and richness partially attributable to ideal growing conditions and probably a good harvest decision on my part. This is a wine that I feel you will want to come back to time and again. We expect this Chardonnay to reach its peak at 4-5 years and should maintain that level for several more years.

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