2005 Clos Pepe Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay

Crisp, vibrant and minerally, this wine gives a nod to old-world, Burgundian-style sensibilities while embracing the fruit character of California Chardonnay. Often subjected to morning fog and cool windy afternoons, the area in which the Clos Pepe vineyard lays is ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The overall impression of the wine is one of minerality, sophistication and elegance. A cool climate site, the fruit from this vineyard is vibrant and ensures that the wine will last for several years to come. On the nose of our 2005 Clos Pepe Chardonnay, herbal and floral aromas pair well with underlying mineral scents. Fruit flavors of light pineapple and peach along with subtle minerals evolve in the mouth into a bright, citrus-like finish, with notes of orange and even a hint of lime zest. For having such wonderfully crisp natural acidity, this wine has a surprisingly rich texture and mouth-feel, and the combination of fruit, subtle oak, and minerality comes together in a great balance.