2004 Franciscan Estates CUVEE SAUVAGE Chardonnay Napa Valley California
Name:
Franciscan Estates CUVEE SAUVAGE Chardonnay Napa Valley California - 2004
Where it's from:
>USA
>California
>Napa Valley
Price per case:
£253.72
Bottle size:
75 cl
Bottles per case:
12
Style:
Rich Dry Whites
Grapes:
Chardonnay
Description:
In 1987, Franciscan introduced Napa's first unfiltered, wild yeast fermented Chardonnay - Cuvée Sauvage. Every year, Franciscan start by choosing the finest barrels and only the best lots from its vineyards. Larry Levin the winemaker said We don't add yeast -- we just put the juice in the barrel and pray. Nature takes over and native vineyard yeasts begin a wild and unpredictable fermentation. It begins slowly. And when it finally takes off, sometimes after days of nervous waiting, it moves at a leisurely pace and at cooler temperatures. This long, cool fermentation helps us preserve the distinct varietal character of the Chardonnay. Unlike commercially cultured yeast, wild yeasts contain several strains that work together to complete the fermentation. As one strain of wild yeast expires, another comes forward adding even more complexity and body to the wine. Each successive fermentation adds a new dimension, and each barrel develops its own personality. Fewer than half of the barrels we begin with will make the cut for Cuvée Sauvage. We taste every barrel and select only the finest, most expressive lots. And in the end, because both the grapes and the yeasts come from the same, specific place, Cuvée Sauvage is the ultimate expression of the vineyard. The delicate straw yellow appearance of this Chardonnay is complemented by a spicy vanilla fragrance, with hints of pear, honey and smoky, toasty oak. The lush flavours of peach, coconut, pear and spicy vanilla make this a complex Chardonnay, richly textured with a fleshy, round mouthfeel.
