Frogs Leap Chardonnay 2001

Vintage: The growing season brought a fine start to the 21st Century. Classic, almost perfect growing and ripening conditions brought moderate yields with great flavors and excellent natural acidity. An intended three-day heat-spell in June and a spot of rain early September gave growers their only concerns that proved to be insignificant in the final analysis. There is a lot of enthusiasm among winemakers for this vintage. Winemaker Comments: The beautiful harvest of 2000 presented grapes full of flavor with great natural balance. To emphasize the fruitiness of the wine, we complemented our traditional barrel fermentation by fermenting a portion of the Oakville fruit in stainless steel. A partial malolactic fermentation built additional complexity while maintaining the natural acidity. The combination of the Oakvill and Carneros fruit deepens the aroma and flavor profile yet allows a clean clear focus. The wine has a pleasant delivery and is wonderfully drinkable.