2014 Olivet Lane Vineyard Chardonnay
90+ Robert Parker
Wine Specs
Vintage
2014
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Russian River Valley
Vineyard Designation
Olivet Lane Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 10, 2014
Acid
6.30 g/L
pH
3.39
Aging
16 months in Barrel, 33% new
Fermentation
Barrel
Bottling Date
February 9, 2016
Alcohol %
14.2
Wine Enthusiast
92
Robert Parker
91
Connoisseurs' Guide
91
Wine Advocate
90
The multifaceted 2014 Olivet Lane Estate Vineyard Chardonnay exhibits structural elegance balanced with opulent richness. Complex and layered aromas conjure the fragrance of lemongrass, lime, apple, white fig, and honey accented by nutmeg, cardamom, and hazelnut praline. Swelling from a heart of succulent fruit, the lavish flavors are displayed in a profusion of tropical pineapple and ripe mango lifted by zesty Meyer lemon curd. Highly textured, the wine displays luxurious mid-palate volume, seamlessly integrated with a distinctive silkiness from entry to finish.
Wine Specs
Vintage
2014
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Russian River Valley
Vineyard Designation
Olivet Lane Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 10, 2014
Acid
6.30 g/L
pH
3.39
Aging
16 months in Barrel, 33% new
Fermentation
Barrel
Bottling Date
February 9, 2016
Alcohol %
14.2
Wine Enthusiast
92
Robert Parker
91
Connoisseurs' Guide
91
Wine Advocate
90
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
The multifaceted 2014 Olivet Lane Estate Vineyard Chardonnay exhibits structural elegance balanced with opulent richness. Complex and layered aromas conjure the fragrance of lemongrass, lime, apple, white fig, and honey accented by nutmeg, cardamom, and hazelnut praline. Swelling from a heart of succulent fruit, the lavish flavors are displayed in a profusion of tropical pineapple and ripe mango lifted by zesty Meyer lemon curd. Highly textured, the wine displays luxurious mid-palate volume, seamlessly integrated with a distinctive silkiness from entry to finish. Its richness is poised by brightness of acid, imparting persistent vibrancy. Though optimal drinking and aromatic complexity for this Olivet Lane Chardonnay will approach with up to five years of cellaring, this wine is very enjoyable in the present while its fruit is in full flourish. An inspired pairing for the 2014 Olivet Lane Estate Vineyard Chardonnay is roast monkfish in creamy saffron sauce as this wine is the ideal match for rich seafood and the perfect counterpoint to creamy dishes.
Awards
Gold Medal - TEXSOM 2017
Vineyard Notes
The Olivet Lane Vineyard, named for the mature olive trees lining the entrance, has been faithfully tended by Robert Pellegrini for over 40 years. Originally an apple and plum orchard, the 70-acre property on West Olivet Road in Santa Rosa was purchased by the Pellegrini family in 1973. This prime Russian River Valley property was converted to vineyard in 1975 with the planting of Pinot noir and Chardonnay. Approximately two-thirds of the vineyard’s 58 planted acres are dedicated to the Wente selection of Chardonnay.
The Olivet Lane Vineyard is situated in the heart of the Russian River Valley’s low-lying Laguna de Santa Rosa Plain region, distinguished by the maritime fog influence sweeping up from the Pacific through the Petaluma Gap to the South. The cool climate extends the growing season, creating the opportunity for the grapes to ripen slowly and reach their full flavor potential while retaining their natural acidity, producing wines that are elegant and age-worthy.
Winemaker Notes
The winemaking process for Olivet Lane Chardonnay involves meticulous attention to detail and gentle treatment to capture the fruit’s distinctive characters and develop exquisite volume and silkiness in the mouthfeel. The Olivet Lane Chardonnay grapes are hand-harvested at dawn under the cloak of morning coastal fog. Bins of cold Chardonnay clusters are transferred by tractor a few yards to the winery, hand-sorted then pressed whole to achieve optimal delicacy. Primary and full malolactic fermentation take place in barrel, with frequent lees stirring until the final months of motionless settling for clarity. The wine is aged in barrels sur lies for 16 months and receives a singular racking just prior to bottling.
