Notes From The Winemaker:
The PlumpJack Winery's Estate Vineyard, founded in 1881, is nestled in the nape of the Vaca Mountain range on the eastern side of the Napa Valley. The main winery building, which is still in use, was completed in 1883. Vineyards have covered the Oakville site since the late 1800s. In the more recent past, the facility where PlumpJack now makes its wine was the original home of Villa Mt. Eden Winery. Begun in 1973 by proprietors James and Anne McWilliams, the vineyard and winery rapidly gained attention for producing dynamic, long-lived wines, with particular emphasis on the estate and reserve Cabernet Sauvignons. Continuing in that tradition by producing the finest Cabernet Sauvignon is PlumpJack Winery's ultimate goal.
Appellation/Vineyards
In 2009, Pat Garvey’s P&J Vineyard in Saint Helena again was the back bone for our Chardonnay. Located in the southern part of the Saint Helena Appellation, this vineyard allows us to get the richness we want so we do not have to do Malolactic Fermentation. The other vineyard source is Andy Beckstoffer’s Carneros Lake vineyard off of Henry drive in Carneros. This vineyard compliments the Saint Helena fruit by bringing wonderful acidity.
Harvest
The harvest at P&J started on 9/23 and went until 10/2. We made three passes at P&J with an average sugar of 23.2, pH of 3.60 and Titratable Acidity of .64 g100ml. The Carneros Lake Chardonnay was harvested on Septemebr 10th at a brix level of 24.4 with a pH of 3.30 and a Titratable Acidity of .70 g/1ooml
Fermentation & Aging
Fermentation took place 40% in barrel and 60% in Stainless Steel. We used four different yeast strains (Montrachet, EC1118, CY3079 and Simi) as well as for the first time we let 10% of the wine (all barrels) to undergo a natural fermentation to allow for complexity. Fermentation in barrels took place at a temperature of 58-60 degrees for 20 days. The tank fermented at 58 degrees for 28 days. After fermentation we stopped Malolactic fermentation.
Bottled
April 11th and 12th, 2010
Our Thoughts
Since 2008 we feel that our Chardonnay style has really become a hit
with our customers. With that being said it is always amazing to me to see vintage
differences expressed in the wine. Inviting aromas of warm apple/pear
cobbler, orange blossom, cinnamon and hints on anise. In the mouth
flavors of warm apple pie, pear, vanilla and green tea give into a full
and lush finish. The acidity is perfectly balanced. Another winner!!!!
Ratings & Reviews
