< 2001 Estate Vineyard Selection Pinot Gris
COMPLETE TASTING NOTES
The 2001 vintage was exceptional. The Pinot Gris grapes, from a tiny vineyard in the coolest site on the Chalk Hill Estate, became exceptionally ripe—the result of a warm spring, a cool summer and an ideal stretch of dry weather through harvest. Diligent care in this small vineyard, including midseason thinning and intricate canopy management, gave further concentration and intensity to the grapes. Two premier Alsace clones, 146 and 152, are grown in shallow, clay loam soils upon a north-facing slope. Clone 146 brings delicate floral aromas and exotic fruit character to the blend, while clone 152 gives roundness and length to the texture. At full maturity, the bronzed grapes from the two clones were separately hand harvested and gently ushered through traditional, Old World winemaking. Whole-cluster pressing of the grapes followed by natural cold settling of the juice allowed for maximum fruit expression. Fermentation proceeded in neutral French oak barrels, yielding both the finesse of this delicate variety and the fullness of barrel fermentation.
In keeping with winemaking protocol of Alsace, malolactic fermentation was avoided. Instead, sur lies ageing with bi-weekly stirring brought layers of richness and complexity to the wine. After eleven months of ageing in barrel, the wine was lightly fined and bottled. The 2001 Chalk Hill Estate Vineyard Selection Pinot Gris offers aromas of jasmine, citrus blossom and peach with hints of almond and hazelnut. The fully ripe and rich mouthfeel is highlighted by flavors of honeydew melon, red apple and spice, making this wine a perfect complement to many classic international cuisines, including exotic Asian fare
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
- Blend:
- 100% Pinot Gris (63% Clone 152, 37% Clone 146)
- Vineyard:
- Block K
- Appellation:
- Chalk Hill
- Ageing:
- Eleven months sur lies, three to seven year-old French oak
- Fermentation:
- 100% in barrel
- Harvested:
- September 5, 2001, Brix 25.2°, T.A. 6.3 g/l, pH 3.68
- Bottled:
- August 23, 2002, T.A. 6.6 g/l, pH 3.40
