2009 Estate Chardonnay

This 2009 Estate Chardonnay is clearly distinctive. It isn't overoaked nor is it stripped bare. Instead. it follows a style we've come to embrace at AVV. The fruit is at the forefront with the oak playing a supporting role.

To achieve that quality, we ferment 70% of the fruit in stainless steel. The remainder is fermented in the barrel, subjected to malolactic fermentation and then aged for eight months in French oak.

The result is a well-balanced, food-friendly Chardonnay with flavors of apple, pear and citrus accented by a bit of creaminess and toasty oak. The 2009 also exhibits some nice acidity, the result of moderate temperatures throughout most of the year and a harvest season that was slightly cooler than normal.