
PHILOSOPHY
Lynmar Estate celebrates the distinctive terroir of the various vineyards we farm creating wines that are elegant, complex, balanced, and age worthy. Acting as stewards of the land, the winemaking team takes great care to craft wines that truly represent the dynamic, cool-climate soils from the vineyards where the grapes are grown. A genuine mosaic of the land, the people, the food and the synergy of place at Lynmar Estate is revealed in each vintage. Winemaking for the Russian River Valley Chardonnay is focused on capturing bright, high-tone fruit flavors while retaining crisp acidity and balance.
2006 GROWING SEASON
The 2006 growing season was particularly challenging in the Russian River Valley. Higher humidity during the summer months resulted in greater mildew pressure across the appellation, exacerbated by weather during harvest that provided perfect growing conditions for botrytis, or "noble rot”. Luckily all our Chardonnay vineyards are favorably situated and the vineyard crews in each location did everything right this year. Numerous extra “passes” at all sites ensured the area around grape clusters had good air flow and that crop loads were balanced. At the winery, all incoming fruit was hand-sorted as needed. Primary characteristics of the wines from 2006, in general, will be lower than average alcohols and bright natural acidity. This is a vintage that will play very well to Lynmar’s balanced, elegant house style.
WINEMAKING
Winemaking for our Russian River Valley Chardonnay is focused on capturing bright, high-tone fruit flavors while retaining crisp acidity and balance. All fruit was hand-harvested at night or early morning, quickly transported to the winery, and then gently whole-cluster pressed. Juice was only lightly settled before transfer to either stainless steel tanks (40%) or 60-gallon French oak barrels (60%). Primary fermentations with mostly native yeasts lasted 6 to 12 weeks, with subsequent Malolactic fermentations (“ML”) lasting anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. This is only the second 100% ML vintage in the past few years, yet retains excellent natural acidity. Key Old Wente clone sources anchor the blend with structure and richness while Rued clone from Quail Hill Vineyard provides aromatics and high-tone flavors. Old Wente vineyards were Lazy W (Westside Road) and Dutton Mill Station (Green Valley). Old vine Clone 4 vineyards were Keefer (Green Valley) and Sweeney (RRV Expansion AVA). Dijon Clone 76 came from Amber Ridge (Santa Rosa Plain).
TASTING NOTES
In appearance, bright clarity highlights a water rim edge leading into a lemon-green core of color. The nose is clean and youthful with a quiet sense of intensity and tension. A forward aroma of lemon custard and lemon zest is backed by a faint lime juice quality, reminiscent of a crisp, finely-crafted margarita! Secondary aromas of apple and pear play off of a perfume-like floral character. A wisp of roasted nut and a touch of chalk dust “minerality” add complexity. The flavors confirm the nose where citrus, apple, pear and floral notes abound. The palate is definitely dry with wonderfully balanced body, flavor intensity, and acidity. The finish lingers just long enough to entice another sip! Enjoy upon release or cellar through 2010.
WINE INFORMATION
Varietal Composition 93% Chardonnay, 7% Viognier
Winemaker Hugh Chappelle
T.A. 0.57 g/l00 ml
Consulting Winemaker Paul Hobbs
pH 3.61
Consulting Viticulturist Greg Adams
Alcohol 14.3%
Cases Produced 3131 (12x750ml) cases
Aging 9 months in 60% French Oak, (25% as new barrels), 40% Stainless Steel
Bottling Date July, 2007
Suggested Retail Price $30
Other products in the category Wines:
2007 Jenkins Vineyard Pinot Noir -- Aromas truly leap from the glass and immediately captivate, with primary notes of cherry and raspberry, accented with both red and dark fruit elements. There is also is a deft touch of toasty oak which adds spice and complexity, but in no way competes wit
2006 Quail Hill Vineyard Chardonnay -- Appearance is bright yellow-green gold and leads into a complex nose of toast, peaches & cream, bread, acacia, and hazelnuts. The aromas are fresh and compelling with noticeable intensity and focus. The palate is full bodied and rich yet elegant
2006 Quail Hill Vineyard, Bliss Block Pinot Noir -- Our “Bliss Block” Pinot Noir is from a unique part of the estate and in one of the coolest pockets of the property. From the very beginning this vineyard block gave us wines of a highly distinctive and individualistic quality
2006 Quail Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir -- What we have in this wine is taut highly aromatic expression of our estate vineyard where elegance, balance, and structure are all seamlessly interwoven. The texture here is still youthfully firm but with a vibrant energy
Quail Hill Chardonnay Vertical -- 2004 - 2006 Quail Hill Vineyard Chardonnay
2004 Quail Hill Vineyard Chardonnay -- The flavors are complex and subtle, revealing bright key lime, verbena and Gravenstein apple notes, balanced by ginger, clove and a briny minerality.
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