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Clayhouse Vineyards Adobe White
750ml
Sku: 6009059
Vineyard:
The grapes for the 2008 Adobe White came from our Red Cedar Vineyard outside Paso Robles. The calcareous vineyard soils in these white grape blocks are comprised of clay-loam and cobbled sandy loam, and are largely on benchland sites overlooking the Estrella River. Cooler air flows down the benches toward the river at night, helping the grapes retain their crisp acidity.
Winemaking and Cellar Practices:
The 2008 vintage was cooler than normal, with lower than average rainfall and a few tricky spring frosts early in the year. After picking and pressing, we fermented all of the varietals separately, then blended them together after most had reached dryness. The Chardonnay and Roussanne fermented in neutral oak, the other varietals were cold fermented in stainless steel. We stopped the fermentation on some of the Princess in order to leave a touch of sweetness in the finished wine. The final blend is 22% Viognier, 18% Sauvignon Blanc, 17% Grenache Blanc, 16% Roussanne, 6% Chardonnay and 5% Chenin Blanc and 16% Princess, which we are unable to list on the label because it is not yet an approved varietal for table wine. We are petitioning the federal government to add it to the list. The final blend was bottled in January and February, 2009.
Characteristics:
The Adobe White is a proprietary blend with a golden straw color, and fine floral notes of orange blossom, lemon citrus and rose petal. Pear, peach and honeydew melon aromas jump from the glass. The creamy mouthfeel comes from a short time on the lees. The mouthwatering fruit flavors are of apple and stone fruit, with nuances of pumpkin pie spice and tea. The finish is crisp, but balanced with a touch of residual sugar.
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