Zepaltas Hanzell Chardonnay 2009

Zepaltas Hanzell
Chardonnay 2009
Price: $42.00 Case Price: $37.80 ea
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White
Full Bodied
Modern
Bottle, 750 ml
Zepaltas
Chardonnay
54°-61° F
USA > California > Sonoma Valley
A stellar Chardonnay expertly made with grapes from iconic
Hanzell Vineyard. Grown on 35 year old vines in clay and
loam soils, the grapes were aged on their lees for 14 months
in 25% new French oak. The resulting wine shows gorgeous
stone fruit and mineral flavors with subtle hints of citrus
balanced by a touch of creaminess.
Ryan Zepaltas grew up in Western Wisconson drinking beer,
and can’t recall wine ever being part of his family culture.
In 1998 he moved to San Francisco with the hopes of
“making-it” in skateboarding--his main passion at the time. He
made friends with some wine industry folks who encouraged
him to try out working in the vineyards to help pay the bills.
Over the next couple years, he caught the wine bug, began
traveling to vineyards around the world and eventually settled
down at Siduri winery. He's been there since -- and in recent
years branched out with his own side-project Zepaltas.
The grapes come from different sections of other vineyards
that he leases/contracts. They’re custom farmed for him and
he buys the fruit from the farmer -- then brought to the winery
and processed.
Mid-Northern Sonoma's proximity to the coast, as well as the
dense fogs that creep down hillsides, is the key to the region's
favorable viticultural tendencies. Long a source for excellent
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the area in and surrounding the
Russian River Valley benefit with long, ideal growing seasons,
allowing the perfect balance in ripening the fruit.
Tasting Notes