Our wines

2005 Vineyard Selection Series Chardonnay,
Temecula Valley Los Caballos Vineyard

Vineyard Selection Series

Our Vineyard Selection Series wines are hand-crafted from specially selected lots of wine which showcase the unique characteristics imparted on a varietal by a particular vineyard. The grapes used in these wines are selected from areas of the individual vineyards which display concentrated varietal characteristics as well as good balance coming into the winery. Extended ageing in both barrel and bottle help to soften the wines before release.

Winemaking

Our 2005 Vineyard Selection Chardonnay, sourced from Los Caballos Vineyard in the southern part of Temecula’s wine country, was hand selected from a specific area of the vineyard. “Whole cluster” pressing helped to bring out the fruitiness of the grape while minimizing bitter extraction from the seeds and stems. After settling, the juice was moved by gravity to 60 gallon French Nevers oak barrels where fermentation and ageing took place. Consistent stirring of each barrel during the first six months re-introduced the lees to the wine, adding a rich creaminess. New barrels and 85% malo-lactic fermentation give this wine layers of complex aromas and flavors, and a smooth finish.

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes

The 2005 Los Caballos Vineyard Chardonnay was aged in small French Nevers oak barrels for 16 months, lending spice and oak elements to the rich apple and citrus qualities typical of this vineyard, creating a wine which is big, complex, balanced and exciting.