2014 BLACK STALLION ESTATE WINERY CHARDONNAY

e s t a t e
w i n e r y
2 014 B L AC K S TA L L ION E S TAT E W I N E RY C H A R D ON N AY
V I N TAG E R E P O R T
Neither drought nor earthquake could deter the 2014 vintage from delivering another exceptional year for quality grapes in Napa Valley.
Winter was one of the driest on record; however, healthy rain showers in February and March provided a solid foundation for bud break
and fruit set. Consistent dry and warm conditions throughout the spring and summer triggered an unusually early start to harvest and
subsequent early conclusion. Chardonnay particularly benefitted from the favorable season with 2014 wines demonstrating flavorful
fruit with bright aromatics and balanced acidity.
V I T I C U LT U R E
This full-flavored Napa Valley Chardonnay is a hand-crafted blend of small, premium lots sourced from both warmer, upper valley
vineyards, and cooler Carneros vineyard blocks, resulting in a balanced blend of ripe, rich flavors and aromas, vibrant acidity and supple
structure.
WINEMAKING
During the final stages of ripening, our winemaker closely monitored the grapes, tasting them regularly to determine ideal ripeness.
The grapes for our 2014 Chardonnay were harvested early to capture the fruit’s inherent citrus and tropical flavors, as well as its natural
acids. Picked during the cool, early morning hours to preserve the delicate flavors, the grapes were quickly delivered to the winery
where they were immediately loaded into a tank press for gentle pressing, separating the juice from the skins. Next, the juice was
transferred into chilled stainless steel tanks to settle overnight. The clean, settled juice was then racked into a second tank where
Chardonnay-specific yeast was added. After inoculation, lots were separated for fermentation and left sur lie for eight months of oak
aging. Lees were stirred twice a month to enhance the rich and creamy texture of the wine. After several rounds of blind tastings
throughout the aging period, our winemaker decided on a balanced blend of the winery’s highest quality lots for the final cuvée.
TA S T I N G N O T E S
Black Stallion Estate Winery Chardonnay opens with generous aromas of passion fruit, white peach, lightly toasted oak and hints of spice,
complemented by lush flavors of ripe apricot, lemon zest and browned butter. Rich and full on the palate, bright fruit and a creamy texture
lead into a lingering finish.
PA I R I N G
Savor this wine on its own as an aperitif or pair alongside grilled peach and burrata crostini appetizers, spinach and blackened salmon salad
with lemon-dill dressing or your favorite roast chicken dish.
L O C AT I O N D E TA I L
TECHNICAL NOTES
LOS CARNEROS: Maritime breezes from the San Pablo Bay and Petaluma
Gap keep Los Carneros cool, adding bright acidity and citrus flavors.
VINTAGE: 2014
RUTHERFORD: A warmer region, tempered by early morning fog and
OAK TREATMENT:
afternoon maritime breezes add flavors and aromas of green apple and pear.
APPELLATION: Napa Valley
YOUNTVILLE: One of the coolest wine regions in the Napa Valley, which
lends crisp and flavorful fruit notes.
Aged 7 months sur lie in
85% French oak and 15%
American oak; 30% new
OAKVILLE: Valley floor region extends over a flat expanse of well-drained
PH: 3.67
gravel soil between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains, resulting in fruit
with subtle, tropical flavors and complex aromas.
ST. HELENA: The Mayacamas Mountains protect St. Helena from extreme
maritime influences, resulting in a warmer climate that contributes body
and richness.
TA: .50 g/100ml
ALCOHOL BY VOLUME:
14.5%
a b o u t i q u e w i n e r y o n t h e s i lv e r a d o t r a i l