WSU student winemakers were interested in what flavor differences might be found in different clones of Chardonnay. For this comparison, clones 15 and 95 of Chardonnay were selected. The grapes were sourced from Stillwater Creek Vineyard on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills in Royal City, WA–a vineyard known for innovative vineyard management and unique selection of premium clones. Both clones were planted at the same time (around 2009), side by side, on VSP trellis, under the same management practice for thinning and fruit exposure. The grapes were hand-harvested on September 5, 2018.
The fruit of both clones was whole-cluster pressed, fermented with the same selected yeast and malolactic bacteria in neutral oak barrels. After completion of alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the wines were aged on lees for eight months before bottling. The separate wines were bottled to showcase the aroma and flavor characteristics of each Chardonnay clonal selection.
Aromas/Flavors: Fig, Dried Fruit, Full mouthfeel
Partner Vineyard: Stillwater Creek Vineyard | Columbia Valley AVA
Partner Winemaker: Charlie Hoppes, Fidelitas | Red Mountain, WA
The Composition: 12.74% Alcohol, TA 4.69 g/L, pH 3.45, RS 0.67 g/L
Quantity Produced: 75 Cases
