1999 Fetzer Sundial Chardonnay

ACID/pH: .67/3.48 ALCOHOL: 13.5% RESIDUAL SUGAR: .5% BOTTLED: 1/00 RELEASE DATE: 2/00 CASES PRODUCED: 950,000 SUGG. RETAIL (CA): $8.99

WINEMAKER NOTES
Fetzer's Sundial Chardonnay popularity, year-after-year, is due in part to the consistency of the winemaking team and the terrific grape sourcing throughout the best growing regions of California. Sundial Chardonnay, named for the Fetzer family's first Chardonnay vineyard, is a wine that is fresh, rich and enjoyable, every day.

The 1999 Fetzer Sundial Chardonnay is light gold in color. Aromas of pineapple, lemon, vanilla, and Honeydew melon are followed by flavors of pineapple, toasty vanilla, pear, and melon on the palate. Medium-bodied, the wine has a rich mouthfeel and moderately rich and balanced finish.

GRAPE SOURCING
The 1999 Fetzer Sundial Chardonnay is blended from grapes grown in several pre-eminent Chardonnay growing appellations in California, predominantly the North Coast and Central Coast regions. The grapes were harvested between late September and mid October, at an average 24° Brix.

FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
Sundial Chardonnay is the perfect match for roasted chicken and seafood as well as for entrees prepared with citrus marinades and sauces. It is a terrific companion for appetizers and light-sauced pasta dishes such as pasta primavera.

AGING
Forty-five percent of the blend underwent oak barrel fermentation, and the remainder was fermented in stainless steel to preserve the fruit component of the blend. The barrel fermented wine was then aged in new American oak barrels for three months. One third of the barrel fermented wine underwent malolactic fermentation. The barrel aged wine was aged sur lees to enhance the body and complexity and intensify the yeasty characters so desired in quality Chardonnay.