2004 Block 5 Reserve Chardonnay
Red Mountain Estate Vineyard

"Scents of vanilla and toasted oak drift over hints of pineapple in a rich, inviting bouquet. Lemony apple and spicy pear flow into a finish dominated by flavors of mango and lemon. Fermentation was conducted in 100% French oak barrels, hand-selected from the Latour cooperage, and separated from the remainder of our production. 90% of the barrels were new and the remainder were one or two year old barrels. The Latour cooperage was selected for the Block 5 Chardonnay because of the flinty, crisp, chablis-like minerality imparted in the wine by the barrels. These barrels concentrated the fruit and added texture to the mouth-feel of the wine. 100% malolactic fermentation induced delicate fragrances, smoothness, and a crisp acidity."

Technical Notes