Hanzell Chardonnay Sonoma Valley 2005

Chardonnay 2003

The 2003 vintage provided the challenges of a wet spring and a hot harvest. Winter rains persisted into May and flowering was affected by the coolness of the spring and the wetter than usual soils. The grapes were tiny and carried few or no seeds. The inevitable heat wave arrived in the second week in September, by which time most of the estate had been picked.

WINEMAKER’S COMMENTS

“The 2003 Chardonnay is brilliantly clear and gold-green. It is quite aromatic in its youth, suggestive of honeysuckle, lemon verbena and baked pears. Pine forest notes spice the floral and fruit components. Hanzell’s consistent and provocative mineral character is present although quiet now. In the mouth the 2003 is round and full, almost velvety like supple red wines – it is considerable and should age very well.” – Michael Terrien