Chardonnay, Mac Gregor Vineyard 2000

Vintage Chart > Edna Valley > MacGregor Vineyard, Chardonnay

YEAR: 2000
PRODUCTION: 15,995

REVIEWS:

Wine Enthusiast

91 points - February 2003

Brilliant, focused flavors of tangerine, white peach, honey, vanilla, lemon zest and smoke are delicious and complex. Bright acidity adds flair and life, while oak contributes a rich, creamy mouthfeel. The finish is long and intense. —S.H.

Wine Spectator

88 points - Web Only 2002

Offers ripe, vibrant fig, nectarine, tangerine and lemon-lime shadings. A tremendous value in a remarkably complex and elegant Chardonnay. Drink now through 2005. – J.L.

TASTING NOTES:

Release Date: Spring 2002

The wine-growing gods blessed this cool valley in 2000 with a bountiful and early harvest. What a contrast to 1999, when we were still crushing at Halloween. During the sixteen years we have been making this wine we’ve noticed that years like 2000 yield big generous flavors and texture. Such is the case here. 2000 is a huge success with a delicious accessibility not often seen at this early stage.

The vines, planted in 1975, are approaching that old-vine mystique so more of the site specific “terroir” is emerging. Enticing mint, lemon, and honey suckle flavors are spiced with creamy oak and nuanced with a touch of earthiness. This wine, rich and full across the palate, holds its essential acidity in the background. Hedonistic.

TECH NOTES:

  • Yield: 3.26 tons per acre
  • Harvest: September 22nd-October 19th
  • Numbers @ Harvest: 23.0° Brix, 3.49 pH, 8.3 grams acidity
  • Barrel Regimen: 75% French Burgundy and 25% American; 50% of the barrels were new; 100% barrel fermented; 100% malolactic; 100% sur-lie
  • Bottling: May-June 2001