2005 ALEXANDER VALLEY
CHARDONNAY
Estate Grown
The 2005 Alexander Valley
Chardonnay is crafted from grapes grown at the Robert
Young Estate Vineyards. The fruit in the 2005 Chardonnay
has intense flavors, largely a product of our family
growing techniques. 2005 was a large crop for Robert
Young Estate Vineyards. We “dropped” nearly half of the
crop during the growth period. This technique of
thinning the number of grapes on the vine leads to a
higher ratio of leaves to grapes. With fewer grapes on
the vine, each grape receives more carbohydrate from the
leaves during ripening, and thus a higher concentration
of sugars. This higher concentration results in the
intensely flavored fruit used in our wine.
The fruit for Robert Young Estate Winery wines is all
harvested from the vine early in the morning while the
grapes are still cool, lessening the chance of
oxidization. Certain techniques used in the winemaking
accentuate the soft, supple texture of the wine. For
example, about half of the fruit was whole cluster
pressed, and the other half was destemmed and then
pressed. These practices, gentle in nature, increase the
sweet, smooth taste of the wine. The 2005 Chardonnay was
also stirred on the lees to add complexity and
creaminess to the texture. The wine was inoculated for
malolactic fermentation in the barrels, enhancing the
body of the wine and producing a silky and round palate.
Lastly, the 2005 Chardonnay was aged and fermented in
French oak barrels for approximately 14 months. Six to
eight different types of barrels sourced from a range of
coopers were used, each with its own toast. These
different toasts come through in the wine as complex oak
aromas and flavors, such as vanilla, pepper spice, and
toasted bread.
| — Jim Young,
Robert Young Estate Winery |
Robert Young Estate Winery Chardonnay is made
predominantly from Robert Young clone #17, a vine of
French Burgundy descent that was developed at the Young
Family Vineyard in Alexander Valley, California. Clone
#17 is reputed to produce some of the most distinctive
Chardonnay fruit in the world. The 2004 Chardonnay went
through primary and full malolactic fermentation and was
aged sur lies (on its sediments) for 10 months. After
the initial ageing stage, the wine was racked off its
sediments and returned to the barrel in the winery’s
caves for another five months.
WINEMAKER TASTING NOTES
The wine’s aromas include honeysuckle, dried apricot and
sweet apple rounded out by toasty oak undertones. Guava
and melon high notes add a perfume to the nose that is
almost tropical in character. The wine is rich in
flavors, marrying tropical fruit tastes with a range of
sweet spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The body is
well structured with good acidity and a slight buttery
taste which complements the silky texture. The finish is
delicate but complex with a hint of fruit, some spice
and a delicate toast.
REVIEWS & AWARDS FOR ALEXANDER VALLEY CHARDONNAY
2004 Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Wine Spectator, April 30, 2005, Rating: 92 points.
“92, Robert Young Chardonnay Alexander Valley 2004 $37.
Ripe, with sweet fig, tangerine and melon flavors that
are elegant and creamy. Neatly tapered, long and smooth
on the finish, ending with a dash of hazelnut.
Delicious. Drink now through 2010. 2,704 cases made.”
–JL. Wine Spectator Magazine, April 30th, 2007
2003 Alexander Valley Chardonnay
93 points, 2 “puffs,” Connoisseurs’ Guide, October 2005
Leading with rich aromas of sweet cream, vanilla and
optimally ripened apples, this impressively filled
offering fans out on the palate with luscious flavors
that build on the richness and very deep fruit of the
nose. Although it is moderately full-bodied and
wonderfully smooth in texture, it is also quite lively
and keenly balanced throughout its considerable length.
2002 Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Wine Spectator, April 30, 2005, Rating: 92 points.
‘Rich and creamy, with tiers of buttery pear, hazelnut,
marshmallow, anise and smoke, it shows off the ripeness
of the fruit and pretty oak.
Drink now through 2008. 1,240 cases made.’ James Laube”
2002 Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Wine Advocate #157, February 2005.
Robert Young Estate Winery 2002 Chardonnay, Rating: 92
points.
“A beautiful nose of white currants, peaches, and pears
is followed by a medium to full-bodied Chardonnay
revealing loads of flavor, a beautiful texture, and a
honeyed complexity.” –Robert Parker
2001 Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Wine Spectator ~ October 2003
93 Points A delicious Chardonnay the mixes ripe,
vibrant, creamy pear, fig, honeysuckle and nectarine
flavors with a light dash of toasty oak that adds a
touch of hazelnut.
2000 Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Wine Enthusiast ~ Best of 2001
Editors Choice & Best White Wine Of The Year
96 Points The long anticipated wine from longtime
grower-turned vintner swings for the fences. Begins with
fascinating, complex aromas - highlighted by lees,
pineapple, cinnamon, smoke and white chocolate - and
dazzles with its sheer opulence. Everything come
together in pinpointing harmony, right down to the
mind-bogglingly beautiful finish.
Wine Country This Week - November 2002
94 Points A marvelous balanced wine with ripe apple and
pear fruit on the opening, leading to a creamy center
and a long refreshing finish. One of the best California
Chardonnays I've tasted on a while - Larry Walker
Wine Spectator ~ June 2002
89 Points A bold, rich and complex wine, with tiers of
ripe pear, spice, fig and a touch of bubble gum flavor.
Light oak adds a subtle flavor dimension of complexity -
J.L.
Sante Magazine ~ June 2003
Medium bodied and clean with vibrant fruit, ripe peach
unsalted butter, orange creme brulee, sandlewood, and
notes of roasted coffee bean; long tart finish
1999 Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Wine Spectator ~ March 2001
92 Points Ultraripe, rich and creamy, with exotic
tropical fruit flavors of fig, guava, pineapple and pear
accented by smoky, toasted oak flavors that linger, -
J.L.
Robert Young Estate Winery phone: 707 431-4811 fax: 707 431-4812 email:
info@ryew.com |
