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Sonoma-Cutrer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay(2005)

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US $24.51

OBSERVATIONS FROM WINEMAKER TERRY ADAMS ON THE VINTAGE It's somewhat fitting that as we launch the inauGrural vintage of our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Mother Nature blessed us with an abundant harvest full of intensely-flavored fruit. As the vines grew dormant over the winter, a wet and warm season gave way to an even wetter spring. Rain was intense at times through April and May impacting flowering and fruit set which set the stage for a late and perhaps fractured harvest. In the end, this year will be memorable both for the size of the harvest (the second largest in California history) and read more...

the Chardonnay grapes which proved to be complex, layered with juicy flavors, and extraordinarily wonderful to craft into wine.
ON THE VINEYARD The newest member of our noted family of wines is an assemblage of select lots representing the best that the Sonoma Coast appellation has to offer. Here in this focused appellation with diverse soils the conditions are perfect for Chardonnay. The warm days deepen flavors on the vine, and the maritime influences from the nearby Pacific Ocean bring gentle fog to kiss the vines each day, to extend the growing season to allow for physiological maturity and richer flavor profiles. The backbone of this blend is our own estate Cutrer vineyard, where vines struggle in alluvial soils and our Grand Cru approach to viticultural practices assures that only the finest fruit is the foundation for this offering. Vine Hill, with sandy, clay, loam soils adds significantly to the mix. We taste through the lots from diverse vineyards to find only those that will add to our Sonoma Coast vision.
ON THE WINE
Distinct aromas of ginger and lemon zest are joined by toasty coconut, melon and caramel alongside a mineral, flinty cedar-chest oakiness overlaid by notes of honeysuckle. In the mouth, a well-balanced wine with a solid acid backbone is rich, medium to heavy in weight with a broad yet still firm mid-palate. The finish is long and lingering and notable for a touch of spice and lively acidty. Flavors of lemon, apple, pear, pineapple and cantaloupe -- the full array of Sonoma's cornucopia of fruit-- joins a nutty, spicy lightly oaky profile that stakes out a unique territory sure to please those who love Chardonnay. The wine is fermented in oak and undergoes, complete malolactic fermentation, aging for five months in French oak with 79% in small oak barrels used no more than one vintage. The more mature influence of older vines can be seen in the wines which promises to continue to evolve over time, bringing joy to the winemaker and those lucky enough to savor a glass of wine. Enjoy!
Terry Adams Please enjoy our wines responsibly. (hide)

Source: Zachy's

The restaurant favorite makes its return under a new Sonoma Coast designation. Floral, spice and citrus blossom aromas are tight and flinty on the palate, with a beam of green apple and pear-laced fruit. Ends with a clean aftertaste.

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Wine.com

April 2008

It's somewhat fitting that as we launch the inaugural vintage of our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, we were blessed with an abundant harvest full of intensely flavored fruit. Flavors of lemon, apple, pear, pineapple and cantaloupe-the full array of Sonoma's cornucopia of fruit, joins a nutty, spicy, lightly oak profile that stakes out a unique territory sure to please those who love Chardonnay.

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Source: Astor Wines & Spirits

Using grapes from their renowned vineyards of "Cutrer" and "Vine Hill" Sonoma Cutrer has created a stunning new member to their noted family of wines. Well balanced with a citrusy nose and and slightly oaky flavors make this a perfect wine with grilled fish.

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