|
Sur lies one of the best
Chardonnays in California
Taste the Earth
Drink the Juice
The CRICHTON HALL
estate grown Chardonnay
owes its distinctive character
and rich consistency to the
stony hillside vineyard.
At harvest the hand picked fruit
is golden with stone fruit flavors
of apricot and peach.
The finished wine exhibits layers
of complexity from the perfume
of orange blossom and ginger,
crème brulee and hazelnut to
rich flavors of spicy pear, green
mango and sweet lemon peel.
|
Richard and Judith Crichton were
pioneers in the mid-eighties, one of
only a handful of winemakers employing
the traditional Burgundian methods of
barrel fermentation, sur lies aging and
malolactic fermentation for Chardonnay.
Stainless steel reigned supreme!
Combined with the exceptional terroir
of this hillside vineyard, depth, elegance
and age ability have been consistent
hallmarks of our winemaking style.
Hand sorted and fermented in small
sixty gallon French oak barrels, the wine rests
on the yeast for ten to fourteen months
to develop its distinctive, rich, toasty quality
with 30% undergoing malo-lactic fermentation.
Twenty-five percent new oak results in a balanced,
elegant wine. We are judicious in our use of oak
which we consider to be the "salt & pepper" of
the wine, enhancing not dominating.
The crisp acidity and restrained oak make this
a wonderful wine with food. Lobster bisque, scallops
in beurre blanc, poached or grilled seafood and roast
chicken with tarragon are classic matches.
It's even great with steak.
|
