Ledgewood Creek Winery

2008 Three Clone Chardonnay - GOLD MEDAL WINNER

Tasting Notes
Our Three Clone Chardonnay is made from a selection of the best lots we produce from each year among the five distinct clones grown on the Estate.  To fully develop the potential of the grape it is critical to employ the finest, and often most time consuming, techniques possible.  The wine embodies a true expression of the Chardonnay grape from our location.  The winemaking influences of toasted oak and malolactic fermentation are present, but at levels meant to enhance the basic structure without being overbearing.  I find this wine to be remarkable in its pure representation of the Chardonnay grapes from which it came and savor its perfect flavor and lingering finish.

The Vineyards
The largest varietal in production on the Ledgewood Creek Estate is Chardonnay. We have identified twelve different blocks and sub-plots which have distinctive growing conditions and flavor characteristics. There are five (of wich we have chosen three) individual clones of the Chardonnay grape grown within these blocks. Each clonal selection has a distinct growth pattern and a unique profile of aroma and flavor. We are challenged each year to respond to the individuality of each block, sub-plot and type of grape (clone) so that we can deliver the highest quality fruit possible.

Winemaking
The large variety of plantings within our vineyards gives us a huge advantage when producing Chardonnay. Each year we pick from the best lots to make wine. It is the patience and dedication to the details of blending that make the wine so fine. Barrel fermentation, type of oak used and the employment of malolactic fermentation are essential tools in our winemaking process. 2006 was an unusually fruity year because of the cool summer. We opted to emphasize this in a higher proportion thank fermented wine than the typical vintage.

Detailed Wine Information