The
east to west orientation of Sta. Rita Hills
provides a conduit to early morning sea fog,
which lies over the vineyard until mid-morning. Bright sunshine
and an uncannily predictable ocean breeze follow,
allowing the grapes to fully ripen and still
retain a lively acidity. Sta. Rita Hills is
one of the coolest winegrowing regions in California,
and yet because of the southern latitude, has
the longest growing season of any appellation.
It is an ideal location for world-class Chardonnay.
We produce two styles of Chardonnay wine from
the estate:
Unoaked
Estate Chardonnay, 2007
 2007 was a beautiful vintage for Chardonnay
from the Huber Vineyard, although yields
were tiny. A cold winter delayed budbreak,
and semi-drought conditions throughout
spring and summer resulted in very small
clusters and berries with beautifully
concentrated flavors. Picked about a
month later than normal, the grapes were
whole-cluster pressed to cold stainless
steel tanks for fermentation, where they
remained sur lie until being bottled
in the Spring of 2008. Malolactic fermentation
was inhibited to showcase the fruit and
the terroir of the Huber Vineyard.
A pale, spun straw color with subtle
chartreuse highlights glints in the glass.
A swirl produces a lively bouquet of
lemongrass, key lime blossom and asian
pear. On the palate, there is a nice
roundness of lemon curd balanced with
the lively acidity of citrus. Additional
nuances of honeydew melon, just ripe
apricot and lemon verbena merge with
the unmistakable stony minerality so
typical of Huber Chardonnay. Elegantly
crisp, beautifully balanced, wonderfully
refreshing and food friendly!
Just 180 cases produced.
Click here for
a printable version of these notes. |
$20 per bottle
$216 per case
|
Unoaked
Estate Chardonnay, 2008
This elegant and refined Chardonnay
is from the 2008 vintage, one fraught
with hard frosts at springtime and
challenges from nature that resulted
in miniscule crops of super concentrated
flavors. Those Chardonnay grapes that
escaped the frosts were hand harvested
and then whole-cluster pressed to cold
stainless steel tanks for fermentation.
Malolactic fermentation was inhibited
to showcase the fruit and the terroir
of the Huber Vineyard. They remained
sur lie until being bottled in the
Spring of 2009.
Unoaked Chardonnays are
all about the fruit. If you don’t
have beautiful, perfect fruit that
is the
epitome of the varietal, this style
is simply not attempted. The 2008 Chardonnay “Unoaked” is
both an illustration of the grape and
of the 2008 vintage. Concentrated flavors
of granny smith apples and Anjou pears
on the nose are whisked across the
palate with a zippy crispness and lilting
acidity. The gravelly, mineral laden
note of the vineyard mingles with a
subtle tropicality reminiscent of just
ripe pineapple and kumquats. Hints
of curry spice and lemongrass linger
on
the finish. Brisk and refreshing, superb
with fish!
Click here for
a printable version of these notes.
|
$24 per bottle
$264 per case
|
Barrel-Fermented Estate Chardonnay, 2006
 After
the abundant yields of the previous year,
2006 produced a small crop of petite clusters
and berries. Little rain throughout the
year and a temperate and cool summer with
few spikes or lows resulted in an extended
growing season and almost leisurely harvest.
The longer time on the vine, the reduced
yields and the compact clusters and diminutive
berries produced a wine that is reflective
of vintage, vineyard and varietal. The
grapes were whole-cluster pressed, allowed
to settle and begin fermentation in stainless
steel tanks and then moved to French Oak
barrels to complete primary fermentation.
A partial Malolactic fermentation and 20%
new barrels add a layer of richness and
texture to the finished wine.
Just now ready for prime time, this is
a gorgeously rich, stylish and graceful
wine. Lush exotic fruit on the nose are
interlaced with nuances of vanilla and
clove from the French oak. A silky, luxurious
texture glides across the palate delivering
notes of ripe pear, stone fruit and a hint
of tangelo that mingle with the flinty
characteristic of the vineyard. Lively
acidity balances the fruit, and the finish
is lasting, refreshing and demanding of
a second sip. Opulent in a tasteful manner.
The 2006 Chardonnay pairs extremely well
with rich seafood dishes such as scallops
or crab, as well as poultry dishes with
cream sauces. It is also delightful on
its own as an aperitif! Serve just slightly
chilled for maximum enjoyment.
Click here for
a printable version of these notes. |
$28
per bottle
$286 per case
|
