VINEYARDS
The 2005 Hawk Crest Chardonnay relied heavily on the cool climate growing region of Santa Lucia Highlands. This unique viticultural area is tucked behind the Santa Lucia Mountain Range where granitic soils produce fruit with vibrant mineral-laden acidity. In a vineyard situated above the valley floor, the fruit for this wine is protected from the cool, persistent oceanic winds that whip through the valley below, ensuring more even ripening. Nearby vineyards in Monterey County provide a core of citrus and white peach characteristics. When blended together with fruit from Santa Lucia Highlands, the wine delivers bright acidity, minerality, and ripe fruit flavors. More complex aromas and textures were added in the cellar through partial barrel fermentation, partial malolactic fermentation and sur lies aging in neutral French oak barrels.

VINTAGE
Vineyards in Monterey County experienced a cool, rainy spring that slowly transitioned to a warm summer. With mild temperatures throughout the growing season, grapes ripened at a slow and steady pace. We began harvesting the early ripening clones in mid-September and continued to harvest fruit gradually through mid-October. The 2005 harvest was unequivocally a standout vintage, producing outstanding fruit quality and character.

WINE
This wine opens with soft aromas of white peach and lemon alongside subtle notes of jasmine and oak spice. Styled after a Macon Village Chardonnay, the wine has a rich silky mouthfeel, medium body, and finishes with bright acidity laced with minerality. This is a delicious wine to drink especially after a day outdoors. Open a bottle with a lightly dressed Shrimp Louie and a chunk of sourdough bread.