1998 KNIGHT’S VALLEY CHARDONNAY

	Harvest Date:		10/27/98
	Brix:		24.1 degrees
	pH:		3.55
	TA:		0.82 g/100mL

Tasting Notes: The clone for this wine is the ‘Stony Hill Clone’ which is certainly the Wente. And this wine proves its pedigree. There is weight, intensity, and yet cleanliness and clarity. This end of Knight’s Valley, just before one enters the Napa Valley is cool (redwood groves border this site) and the north east slope only exacerbates this situation. Accordingly, the grapes hang a very long time on the vine and while the berries hold onto those acids that make for a crisp, clean finish the hot afternoons allow for the expression of some unusual fruits, chief among them are the stone fruits of white nectarines and apricots.

	Alcohol:		14.1% by volume
	TA:		0.50 g/100mL
	pH:		3.80
	Production:		101 cases of 12

Aging Notes: I have not tasted this wine in some time but my recollection (and that of others who have commented) is that the wine is aging well. The color is roaming from the initial straw/lightly golden to a deep almost butterscotch (the color, not the flavor) and the flavors are taking on a richness of vanilla wafer/crème brûlée. This wine is now 5 years old and I would drink it because I like young fresh fruit in wines. But if you love the nutty quality of an aged Burgundy then leave it sit for another year or two.

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