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Item Number: 6796

UPC: 0721354880017

Country: USA
Region: Washington Sub Region: Columbia Valley
Appellation/AVA: Columbia Valley
Vintage: 2012
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Type: Wine - White
Bottle Size: 750ml Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14.5
Total Acidity: 5.6
pH: 3.57
Case Production: 4,825


Vineyard Sources: The Schmitt and Oasis Vineyards (Yakima Valley) provide nice tropical fruit while Evergreen Vineyard (latitude 47 on the Columbia River) contributes crisp acidity and minerality.

Vintage Notes: The 2012 vintage will enter the record books as one of the largest in Washington State given near normal yields and an increase in new acreage coming on line. Quality is exceptionally high with the ideal finishing weather during September and October. A relatively mild winter set the stage for a nice rebound from the lighter crops of the cooler 2010 and 2011 vintages. A slightly wetter May and June produced healthy canopy growth, but the unsettled weather during bloom resulted in some shatter. July and August were warm and dry, with one hot spell in July and two unusual hail storms that caused some limited damage in isolated vineyard sites. Warm, sunny days with cool nights during September brought near perfect ripening weather. Harvest started about mid-September and finished the third week of October, with excellent color development and balance of acidity and structure.

Winemaking Notes: The L'Ecole Chardonnay was harvested in the cool early morning hours and promptly delivered to the winery for immediate pressing. The fruit was whole-cluster pressed to tank and allowed to settle. The juice was then racked off of the solids into mostly second and third year tight-grained French oak barrels. The wine was aged sur lie and stirred for six months resulting in a rich mouth feel and a creamy, full finish.

Tasting Notes: This beautifully expressive Chardonnay offers an enticing mix of tropical fruit, fresh apple, and old world characters of flint and slate. The elegant structure of this wine is finely balanced between richness and minerality, adding complexity on the clean, lingering finish.