We use "Old Heads" - used barrels - to add weight to the wine without masking the beautiful fruit of the chardonnay. Tropical fruit aromas and flavors; the barrel fermentation contributes creamy, honey flavors and roundness to the texture of the wine.

Blend: 90% Dunnigan Hills Chardonnay, 7% Russian River Chardonnay; 3% Viognier
Production: 11,549 cases

2008 was noted for severe frost damage and out of control forest fires in the northern counties, however, our vineyard was not affected with any smoke taint. The hazy sky did slow down the ripening process which allowed the grapes to gain complexity and intensity.

The grapes were crushed, pressed and settled on the first day, then inoculated with yeast. The Dunnigan Hills portion was barreled down. After barrel fermentation, the wine was allowed to age in barrels for eight months while being stirred regularly. The wine was then racked off the lees and blended. 22% of the barrels used were new; 78% of the wine was aged in "Old Head" French oak - used barrels - to add weight to the mouthfeel without masking the fresh fruit flavors of the wine.