DR Stevens Chard 2010

WINEMAKER'S NOTES; The D. R. Stephens Estate 2011 Chardonnay is our inaugural vintage from the famed soils of Rutherford and the Star Vineyard. The mature Chardonnay vines are planted to Old Wente clone and are farmed impeccably by David Abreu. The cool, long growing season of 2011 gave us ample complexity and an abundance of aromatics including lemon rind, clove, flint, and a hint of exotic, tropical fruit. The palate is voluminous, yet retains great focus thanks to the very low pH. The lasting impression on the finish is one of focus and minerality, a great feat given the wine’s Burgundian treatment of 100% malolactic with batonnage and barrel fermentation in French Oak.