Home  Webisodes > May 2012 Classic, Limited and Vintners Series Wine Tasting   Chardonnay, 2009. Wattle Creek

Item # L512W3 Chardonnay, 2009. Wattle Creek Vintage: 2009 Varietal: Chardonnay Vineyard/Appellation: Alexander Valley, California Color: Pale gold Nose: Fresh apple and vanilla Palate: Rich pineapple with a hint of spice Finish: Apple and vanilla Rating: 94 Cellaring/Serving Suggestions: Drink now through 2013 Podcast Link: Online Wine Tasting with the Cellarmaster : WATTLE CREEK - WHITE Retail Price $24.99      Log In for LOWEST price Price: Qty: Write your own review Printable Version

In March of 1994, Christopher and Kristine Williams began a journey that would take them from being avid wine lovers and collectors to passionate winery owners. They purchased a 56-acre vineyard and winery property just south of the town of Cloverdale in northern Sonoma County. The home and winery on the property, formerly owned by Emmy-winning comedian Pat Paulsen, have been under renovation since the date of purchase.

With their roots firmly planted in their Australian homeland, the Williamses wanted to specialize in Australian grape varieties, and sought a region with a climate similar to the warm Barossa Valley in southern Australia. Wattle Creek's location in northern Alexander Valley provided them with exactly what they were seeking.

The winery's name is derived from Australia's wattle tree, a member of the Acacia family with distinctive yellow blossoms. Images of these blossoms can be seen on Wattle Creek's labels, and the trees add color to the winery property.

With unbridled enthusiasm, top vineyard and winemaking expertise and outstanding vineyard locations, the Williams family is poised to make Wattle Creek a success. The winery currently produces Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc in small quantities, all with an emphasis on outstanding fruit character and full expression of the estate vineyards from which they are produced.

After achieving the desired flavors in the vineyard, this Chardonnay was harvested by hand into picking bins in the middle of the night while the grapes were cold in an effort to preserve the delicate flavors that are key to this varietal. The fruit was received in the cellar in small bins where the grapes were whole cluster pressed to tank, and immediately chilled and settled prior to fermentation. The juice was then transferred to French oak barrels to ferment completely in the barrels. This is a full and rich style of Chardonnay that befits their Australian homeland and the Alexander Valley appellations. Great with halibut and pesto.

May 2012 Limited Series Newsletter (.pdf)