2000 Porter-Bass Chardonnay
Tasting Notes
Upfront aromas of grapefruit and exotic tropical fruits mingle with hints of orange rind, cooked apple, and complex floral notes. The flavors are long and lingering with a bit of pain grillé coming in on the finish. Enjoy now if you like but don't hesitate to lay some down. The higher percentage of Rued clone in the blend this vintage has amplified the usual tropical, citrus, and floral characters with the result being a highly aromatic wine with a leaner, more acid-driven texture. We expect this vintage to gain complexity and nuance over the next 1 - 4 years.
Vineyard
Located in Mays Canyon halfway between Guerneville and Forestville in Western Sonoma County. The soils of this site are steep, "shaley" clay-loam of ancient marine origin. The fog influences of both the Russian River and nearby Pacific coast are present here with the result being a very long, cool growing season that consistently yields fruit of great intensity and natural acid balance. Our friends Sue Porter and Dirck Bass are committed to farming this vineyard not only organically but also biodynamically.
- Vine Age: Planted between 1984-1986.
- Clones: Approximately 1/3 Old Wente and 2/3 Rued selection.
- Harvest: Late-September to mid-October.
Winemaking
This vintage we decided to pick the two clones separately since their relative ripening patterns were much different than in '99. Both lots were whole-cluster pressed and put to barrel without settling on full solids. Fermentation temperature was controlled on the Rued to preserve aromatics with a moderate peak of 23° C allowed while with the Old Wente a much warmer peak was encouraged (28° C) to develop texture and complexity. Battonage was stopped after ML on the Rued and continued monthly on the Old Wente. Both lots were aged on full fermentation lees until blending and assembly for bottling by careful nitrogen racking.
- Yeast / ML: Native yeast and ML on the Old Wente to contribute power and complexity; select aromatic yeasts used on the Rued to emphasize its distinctive floral side.
- Cooperage and Aging: 30% new oak, 70% once-used; primarily Seguin Moreau & François Freres.
- Total time in barrel: 8 months.