2009 Freestone Chardonnay Sonoma Coast

90pts(IWC)Medium golden yellow.  Orange blossom, nutty lees, toffee and oak char lifted by high notes of spices, lavender and mint.  Juicy, spicy and sappy on the palate, with brisk acidity intensifying the citrus oil and hazelnut flavors.  Very complex and penetrating for a second wine. Finishes firm but not hard, with a hint of soft citrus fruit and good texture and length. Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar May/June 2011

2009 was a great year for balance and concentration. This Chardonnay is a perfect example of what can be achieved naturally when nature offers the right conditions. This natively fermented wine possesses the characteristics we strive to capture each year, where modest yields, careful, intuitive farming practices and gentle, patient winemaking pay off. Our long, slow pressing regimes, extended barrel fermentations in lightly toasted barrels, and regular stirring allow the initially lean, crisp aromas and flavors to develop into a wine with richness and intensity on the palate.
This wine is a mix of the best selections from the estate plantings, including some heirloom selections that define its character and structure. The nose reveals aromas of toasted brioche, apricot pits, lemon oil, shaved almonds, flower petals and chamomile infused with honey. There is great concentration, weight and intensity in this Chardonnay with vibrant, focused flavors of honeysuckle, quince, orange blossom and a touch of apple skins to tempt the palate. This wine is full-bodied, has great length and possesses a tangy, citrus finish with tremendous precision and minerality. Winery Notes