This wine introduces a new concept for us – The Barrel Climber. Born out of a desire to experiment and create a small-production example of winemaker whimsy, each year we plan to offer 50 – 100 cases of a special blend that represents the countless hours spent climbing hundreds of barrels to top, stir and sample the many wines as they evolve in the cellar. This year it’s a white wine. Next year, who knows?
Our 2010 Barrel Climber chardonnay is comprised of just three neutral barrels (no new oak at all), one of which underwent no malolactic fermentation, while the other two were put through only partial ML. The goal was to capture a purity of fruit and bracing acidity while at the same time showcasing a texture and body not often found in the all-stainless-steel, no-ML chardonnay frequently presented as the alternative to overly oaky barrel fermentation. Needless to say, we are quite pleased with the results and hope you enjoy the wine as much as we do.
Extremely pale gold in color, the wine offers up lemon custard, poached pear, stone fruits and hints of limestone on the nose. On the palate, wonderfully crisp acidity is complimented by a depth and richness in texture to create an immensely satisfying wine with flavors of lemon-lime and poached pear followed by intriguing notes of anise and minerals. Tasty already, we recommend holding onto to it for another year to enjoy at Thanksgiving 2013 and beyond.
DRINKING WINDOWS
Prime drinking: late 2013 to 2015 Graceful ageability: 2017+
Direct sales are allocated exclusively to EK Allocation List members at a 10% discount. Orders of 6+ bottles save an additional 50% off shipping. New releases ship twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. Join EK Allocation List
CUSTOMIZED ALLOCATIONS
You may customize your spring and fall allocations any way you like, from 0–12 bottles of each wine. (Small-lot and list-only wines will have lower limits.) To modify your allocations, click on MY ALLOCATION above. Join EK Allocation List
REORDERS
Wines often sell out at or close to release, so we encourage making the most of your spring and fall allocations. As long as wine remains, you are welcome to reorder online through our EK Special Order store. Or contact John Gillis at john@erickentwines.com or 415.244.9453.
sonoma county
