2000 "Old Vines" CHARDONNAY
ESTATE GROWN NAPA VALLEY

Tasting Notes: An extravagantly concentrated and complex unfiltered wine, with big oak, big alcohol and acidity all in balance. This heady wine expresses a strikingly clear sense of Long Vineyards' 35-year old vineyard in full flower and experienced winemaking, and delivers a mouthful of aroma and flavor - explosive ripe pears, muscat, orange blossoms, with a mineral substrate. 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 1000 feet, overlooking Lake Hennessey. Planted in 1967, these vines are among the oldest Chardonnay in Napa Valley. 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 were quickly done in a one-ton basket press. Fermented in all new François Frères barrels for 15 months, this wine has undergone total malo-lactic fermentation and was stirred on the lees during the aging process to add complexity and depth.

Notes from Bob Long: This is an especially lavish edition of Long Vineyards Chardonnay, which is produced only in selective years when the fruit is especially intense. The last edition was 1997. By combining our distinctive winemaking style with 35 year-old vines, we have added another dimension to this big style. This "Old Vines" is a refined, balanced wine, with elegance and - age-ability. It is big alcohol with great acid balance.

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