As a practitioner of handcrafted wines, Rick is involved in all aspects of winemaking from vineyard management through final blending. In 1991, his hands-on approach paid off as Wine & Spirits Magazine named him Chardonnay Winemaker of the Year. Again, in 1999 Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences named him Winemaker of the Year.
Barrel fermentation in new and seasoned french oak added toasty vanilla and spice complexities, and during 8 months of barrel ageing, we regularly stirred the lees in barrel, which gives a certain fullness and creamy texture on the palate. Encouraging malolactic fermentation added additional character, and in the glass the wine is both creamy and crisp, with abundant fruit character, mineral, and toasty oak flavors.--Winemakers Note
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