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Wine Information
VINEYARD
Appellation
Napa-Carneros
Site
Hyde Vineyard is situated on gently rolling slopes of the Carneros appellation, on the Napa side. Summer temperatures are kept relatively cool by marine air flowing through the Petaluma Gap. Ancient creek beds provide drainage and add a scattering of rocks.
Soil
The soils are quite heavy Haire Clay Loam about 30 inches deep with impenetrable clay subsoil which limits vine vigor and crop yield.
Clonal Selection
Wente, Robert Young and Long field selections.
Planted
The Ramey Wine Cellars blocks of Chardonnay were planted between 1980 and 1999.
VINTAGE
Growing Season
The 2005 growing season was cooler than average with few heat spikes, leading to an evenly paced harvest. Due to a dry winter, berries of all varietals were smaller and more concentrated. 2005 is recognized as an outstanding vintage for the Napa Valley.
Brix | Harvest Dates
24.2 ̊ average | September 22 through October 5
WINEMAKING
Varietal Compositon
100% Chardonnay
Fermentation
We press the whole clusters for delicacy. Native-yeast and full native malolactic fermentation take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage.
Aging
After aging 19 months in 76% new French oak barrels (François Frères and Demptos), this Chardonnay was fined and settled in tank following the next harvest. It was then bottled without filtration.
Cases
2,800
Alcohol
14.5%