“Slow and steady wins the race” – an appropriate proverb for the 2007 vintage. As a grower, it was a stellar year with mild growing conditions and moderate yields resulting in an exceptional concentration of flavors. The spring provided the vines with warm soils and ample soil moisture resulting in healthy canopies going into late May and early June bloom that passed without a hitch. Summer was long, dry and mild. Harvest began in early September and continued at a steady pace through the end of October. These moderate conditions through out the growing season allowed the fruit to mature slowly and evenly, resulting in rich, aromatic flavor profiles and balanced acidity.
The 2007 Hudson Chardonnay is a blend of two shot Wente heritage Chardonnay selections; one developed here at Hudson Vineyards and the other developed by our good friend and neighbor Larry Hyde. We picked the Hudson selection in two passes for added complexity, the first half on the 5th of September to capture the bright floral character of Chardonnay and the second half on the 13th of September to accentuate the warm honey flavors. The Hyde selection was picked all together on the 10th of September. Brix ranged between 24.9° to 25.5° with 3.4 to 3.5 pH, and .68 total acidity. The wine fermented slowly in barrel over a year and a half, taking advantage of naturally occurring yeast and bacteria. We fermented in the wine cave, used 80% brand new Francois Freres and Damy French oak burgundy barrels and stirred twice a month to keep yeast suspended and protect from oxidation. Malolactic fermentation finished quickly, while the alcoholic ferment continued through the following year. This long slow ferment gave the wine complexity and richness while protecting the wine’s freshness through its second year of barrel aging without the use of sulfur. The wine was blended for the first time in May 2008 and bottled unfiltered and unfined that summer.
This wine has the classic nose of the site; the “Batard Montrachet” of Carneros. A great focused nose that while initially resistant opens to aromas of corn silk, hazelnuts and dried citrus fruit. The wine evokes images of breed and sophistication, minerals and open air. The palate is not as broad as the 2006, insomuch as it has a more forward drive while still being luscious. The oily texture is balanced with remarkable acidity and freshness. Salted nuts, brioche and lemon orange peel all come in waves of flavor. Most noticeably, it has a finish that lasts and lasts and lasts. This wine will pair exceptionally well with Roasted sea bass, with a side of creamed corn and pumpkin seeds and will flourish when opened in 2010-2015.