2014 Foley Estates Chardonnay, Barrel Select, Sta. Rita Hills
Winemaker Notes
Our 2014 Barrel Select Chardonnay is made from only the best hand
selected fruit harvested from our Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard. This
gorgeous wine begins with stunning aromatics of honeycomb and
vanilla, showcasing bright flavors of lemon zest and vanilla wafer. The
tannin dominant mouthfeel beautifully compliments the lively acidity
and minerality, making this a great example of a bold California
Chardonnay.
Other Notes
100% Chardonnay
Wine Specs
Vintage
2014
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Sta. Rita Hills
Harvest Date
August 19 – October 10, 2014.
Acid
8.4 g/L
pH
3.2
Aging
18 Months; 100% new French oak; Boutes, Sirigue
Bottling Date
April 14, 2016
Alcohol %
14.3
Wine Spectator
92
Wine Enthusiast
91
Production Notes
Barrel Select is the ultimate expression of cool-climate Chardonnay
from our Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard. Like a vinous jigsaw puzzle, it
is an intricate assemblage of the most complex and concentrated fruit
from the vintage. Following harvest, the grapes were gently
whole-cluster pressed and transferred to tank. The fruit was racked
into 100% new French oak barrels where it underwent weekly stirring
of the lees to add texture and complexity. After 18 months of aging, the
wine was bottled.
Vineyard Notes
2014 was an abundant vintage for the third straight year. A hotter than
average spring led to the earliest bud break we’ve had on record.
Conditions remained ideal from bloom to set, and the warm growing
season produced grape clusters with larger than average berry size. The
fruit achieved optimal ripeness within a shortened time frame,
translating to rich flavors in the wines produced in this vintage. The
yields were high in quantity and quality, with harvest lasting from
August 19 – October 10, 2014.