WINEMAKER’S NOTES

VINEYARD & CELLAR NOTES

2013 sees a change of direction for our chloe bottling. The wine has moved from a Ritchie Vineyard exclusive to an old vine blend based upon Ritchie and Lorenzo vineyards, two of the greatest historical Californian chardonnay vineyard sites. We’ve worked with Lorenzo since 2009 and have been working towards this blend since then, fine-tuning each vintage. Lorenzo was planted in 1974, two years after Ritchie, to a similar Old Wente vine selection and lies in a slightly cooler part of the RRV. Whereas Ritchie is all about ripe orange marmalade fruit and broad layers, Lorenzo is firmer, more lemon and lime, less body but higher acidity, less natural density but typically a longer wine with more minerals and savory complexity. They make a natural and perfect combination. You will recognize many typical chloe traits – weight and deep-rooted power, but now it’s allied to a clear linear focus and I love how the flavors glide effortlessly and evenly from front to back. Our most fruit-forward and deepest chardonnay of the lineup and a great new direction.

TASTING NOTES

Combines typical chloe richness with bright elegance. Pale straw color. Intense white flowers, lime leaf and zesty grapefruit notes then richer honeydew melon, apple pie, almond paste and honeysuckle. Great balance, linear and focused. Pear and lemon curd, citrus oil and savory fennel with lilting floral notes. Deeply layered palate with an orange marmalade core but subtle in its delivery. Expands beautifully, rising saline finish. Drink between 2015 and 2020.

Andy Smith

Winemaker – Viticulturist, DuMOL