2002 "Old Vines" CHARDONNAY
ESTATE GROWN NAPA VALLEY

Tasting Notes: An extravagantly concentrated and complex unfiltered wine, this Chardonnay expresses a strikingly clear sense of Long Vineyards’ 35-year old vineyard in full flower with experienced winemaking and delivers a mouthful of aroma and flavor – explosive ripe pears, muscat, orange blossoms, with a mineral finish. Its rich satin texture fills the senses and holds strong through its lengthy finish with notes of Crêpes Suzette – caramelized butter, sugar, and orange – and hints of vanilla and oak char.

Grapes: The “Old Vines” block of our vineyard is approximately three-quarters of an acre on the north-facing slope of Pritchard Hill, at an elevation of 1100 feet, overlooking Lake Hennessey. Planted in 1968, these vines are among the oldest Chardonnay vineyards in Napa Valley. The Long Chardonnay grape selection, 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 were quickly done in a one-ton basket press. Fermented and aged in all new François Frères barrels for 24 months, this wine has undergone malo-lactic fermentation and was stirred on the lees during the fermentation process to add complexity and depth.

Notes from Zelma Long: Having had the opportunity of working with many Chardonnay vineyards in Napa and Sonoma appellations over three decades, I am acutely aware of how extraordinary this site and this clonal selection have proved to be. Long Vineyards' older wines - the 1977, 1979, and 1981, for example - have gained attention and acclaim in expert tastings for their ability to hold their fruit concentration and freshness, and develop complexity over decades. I know of no other California sites and wines with this longevity, and consider it a privilege to work with these old vines.

Back to Releases