Chardonnay Dupratt Vineyard 2008

Vineyard

DuPratt Vineyard is a small mountain vineyard in southwestern Mendocino County planted at an elevation of 1400 feet. Rainfall here can exceed 60 inches per year. Most famous for its 80-year-old Zinfandel vines, DuPratt has five acres of Chardonnay planted in 1983. This is a “Mountain” wine in the sense that it has great backbone, acidity and structure. It is always the last Chardonnay to be harvested in any vintage.

Winemaking

As is the practice for winemaker Jed Steele, the grapes were harvested at between 24° and 25° brix, 100% fermented in French oak barrels, followed by 100% malo-lactic fermentation to bring forth the rich, full characteristics for which Steele Chardonnays are noted.  The wine is aged sur lees in French oak barrels for eight to ten months, and allowed to rest for several months in bottle before release.

Tasting Notes 

This vineyard, given its elevation and coastal influence, produces a wine with bright acidity with aromas and flavors of crisp green apple, citrus and a hint of a burgundian minerality.  It finishes with a suggestion of butterscotch, framed by a slight oak edge.   Very drinkable at release, DuPratt Vineyard Chardonnay has the balance of fruit and acidity for several years of proper cellaring.

Food pairing

Rich, full-bodied Chardonnays such as our DuPratt Vineyard pair best with fish and chicken. Our favorite pairing is with applewood grilled salmon, and a lemon dill burre blanc. The delicious minerality pairs with oysters and butter, dipped crab legs. Of course, DuPratt Vineyard Chardonnay is a perfect accompaniment with good friends and casual sipping on the patio, a favorite way to enjoy it here at the winery.  This is a versatile wine sure to please the most discerning Chardonnay aficionado.