2005 Alder Springs Mendocino Chardonnay

This wine superbly expresses the lush quality and structure characteristic of this cooler-climate, Mendocino County vineyard. The Alder Springs Vineyard is an immaculately groomed vineyard under the supervision of owner, Stuart Bewley. It has innovative clones, state of the art rootstock and superior trellising on superior soils. Characteristically, this wine exhibits zesty, citrus and tropical fruits on the nose with underlying notes of liquid mineral, while the palate displays crisp acidity, which cuts through the rich, creamy mouth feel, and brightens the tropical fruit on the finish. The 2005 Alder Springs Vineyard Chardonnay from the slopes of Laytonville in Mendocino County exemplifies of the high quality of wines produced from this cool-climate site. Classic chardonnay fruit, lemon zest, and cut grass build to almost Viognier-like aromatics of apricot and floral notes on the nose, along with vanilla and toasted oak. The nose is reflected in the palate with a creamy, almost vis¬cous mouthfeel enlivened by balanced acidity. The oak and fruit work well together, and the citrus and stone fruit notes are joined by crisp pear and minerality through the finish.