Three Chimneys Chardonnay/Marsanne

Winemaker's Notes:

The 2003 Chardonnay Marsanneis made in an attractive, fresh, unwooded style. The depth and complexity of this wine create a rich mouth-feel with lifted, floral aromas abound and a flavorsome palate of sweet peach and melon fruit. The flavor persists to a clean, dry finish.

Draught conditions and a very hot summer, including 10 consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 104F, lead to a very early season with reduced crop loads. No rain produced concentrated fruit that was disease-free.

Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks, for approximately 14 days. Then both the Chardonnay and the Marsanne parcels received extended lees contact for four months to build a creamy texture across mid-palate. The wine was then blended, fined and clarified prior to bottling.