carneros chardonnay

2012
CARNEROS CHARDONNAY
Built in 1878, St. Clement Vineyards is located in St. Helena and has a long
and vibrant history of producing boutique lots of high quality wines.
Relationships with top independent Napa Valley winegrowers provide the
foundation for St. Clement’s wines, which reflect the diversity of both the
vineyards and the growers who steward them. St. Clement embraces the best
of both traditional and progressive winemaking techniques, resulting in a
collection of modern, accessible wines that strive for the ideal of quality
without pretense.
VINTAGE & VINEYARDS
SOURCING
Napa Valley, Carneros
VARIETAL COMPOSITION
100% Chardonnay
VINIFICATION
Fermented and aged in 50% stainless steel
Acclaimed for its “perfect” growing season, the 2012 vintage will be
remembered for its abundance of high-quality fruit. The season began with
exceptional weather conditions that brought virtually no harm to the grapes
and saw near-ideal spring bud break, steady flowering and even fruit set. Long,
mild days and cool, often foggy nights continued well into the summer, which
allowed for the preservation of fruit aromatics, freshness and natural acidity
that is ideal for our white wine varietals.
The grapes for the 2012 Napa Valley Carneros Chardonnay were sourced
primarily from our Stanly Lane Vineyard in Carneros. A smaller percentage
(20%) of fruit came from Abbotts Vineyard, an exceptional source for St.
Clement Chardonnay for many years. Grapes for the 2012 Napa Valley
Chardonnay were harvested between September 2nd and September 25th.
drums; 50% new and neutral French oak
barrels
WINEMAKING
ANALYSIS
With the goal of creating a Chardonnay perfectly balanced between fruit and
oak, fifty percent of the wine was fermented and aged in small stainless steel
drums, and the remainder in a combination of new (10%) and neutral French
oak barrels. The barrel fermented and aged wine went through partial
malolactic fermentation and was aged sur lies. Select barrel fermented lots
were wild yeast fermented. The wine aged for 7 months prior to blending and
bottling.
Alc: 14.1%
TASTING NOTES
Pure and focused aromas of crisp red apple and bright Meyer lemon
accentuate this refreshing Chardonnay. The citrus driven palate is framed by
notes of graham cracker and crushed pine nuts, balancing the bright flavors
with a slightly creamy texture. A pleasing acidity and lasting lemon minerality
linger throughout the finish.
ST. CLEMENT VINEYARDS • 2867 ST. HELENA HWY NORTH, ST. HELENA, CA, 94574 • 866.877.5939 • ST.CLEMENT.COM