HAWLEY
2004 Barrel Fermented
Chardonnay

Vineyard Sources

Chardonnay, the most popular white wine in the world, originated in France's Burgundy region. This versatile grape performs best when grown in a cool, Mediterranean climate. Sonoma County's Russian River Valley provides the idea climate of warm days and cool nights to insure intense fruit flavors and balanced acidity in the wine. The grapes for this 2004 Hawley Chardonnay came from Balletto Farms on Occidental Road in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley. 2004 was a favorable growing season that started early with a warm spring, continued with a mild summer, and ended with some heat. The resulting grapes were unusually small and intensely flavored. These grapes were harvested September 20, 2004 The sugar content at harvest averaged --25 degrees Brix.

Winemaking

This wine was carefully handcrafted using traditional French wine making techniques including:
*Gentle whole cluster pressing to minimize tannin in the wine.
*Barrel fermentation in 30% new/70% used French oak barrels followed by nine months of barrel aging to add a creamy texture and a toasty complexity to the wine.
*Secondary malolactic fermentation to soften the high natural acidity of the grapes and to add a buttery complexity.
The wine was bottled on July 14, 2005.

Tasting Notes

This 100% Chardonnay wine combines luscious flavors reminiscent of green apples, lemons, and pineapple and has a long, refreshing finish.

Serving Suggestions

This wine is an excellent accompaniment to seafood and fowl. Serve slightly chilled.

Analysis

• Alcohol................13.97% by volume
  
• Titratable acidity.....0.563 g/100 ml
  
• pH............................3.50
  
• Suggested Retail Price
  per bottle.............$21.00