Flowers Camp Meeting Ridge Chardonnay 1997

1997 represents the achievement of a dream for the Flowers winegrowing team. With winery newly completed, we were able to rigorously separate our home-ranch blocks and "listen to the wine", making each lot as distinctly as it desired. Entering into dialogue with the wine is what we like to do best, and the 1997 wines asked for less new oak than the 100% of 1996, rewarding us with fragrant sandalwood/spiciness as well as lime, pear, and subtle shades of pineapple on the nose, the trademark CMR lime/mineral on the palate, with a long finish of viscous ripe fruit, lychee and firm acid that causes a late salivary sensation. A hint of animale runs throughout the wine, from start to finish. Though drinkable after 3 to 4 months' rest post shipping, we feel this wine has the staying power to be cellared for several years. Enjoy!

Alcohol: 14.3% by volume