Laird Family Estate Cold Creek Ranch Chardonnay 2005

May 19, 5:46 AMSan Jose Wine ExaminerSteve Ferree

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Chardonnay is grown in several areas of the rich Sonoma County appellation. Sonoma County is not only the oldest commercial wine producing regions in California, but also one of the most diverse. In this single county there are 13 diverse winegrowing regions (appellations) but also every major varietal of grape found in California. Two of these appellations are considered some of the best areas to grow Chardonnay, the Russian River Valley and Carneros.

Chardonnay grown in the Russian River Valley tend to display fruity flavors such as apples, pears and peaches, while Carneros fruit often has a flinty character. However, the Chardonnay’s intrinsic blank canvas allows its inherent flavors to be dramatically affected by different vineyard and winery practices. Such techniques as barrel fermentation, type of oak barrels, proportion of new to old cooperage, lees stirring and partial, complete or prevention of malolactic fermentation can make significant differences in the end result.

I have recently had the joy of sampling several Chardonnay’s from Sonoma County. One is the Laird Family Estate 2005 Cold Creek Ranch Chardonnay from Carneros.

Laird Family Estate is a rare combination of:

• A family dedication to grow grapes indicative of the terrior (sense of place, the effects that the geography and climate has on the grape’s flavors)
• A winery facility ranking highest in technology and capability, and
• A consulting winemaker, Paul Hobbs, with the skill and experience to produce award-winning wines.

This triumph of skill and technology has come together to produce a Chardonnay that is a true depiction of the terrior and the winemaker. Paul Hobbs selected blocks of Chardonnay grapes from the Cold Creek Ranch vineyard adjacent to the Carneros Highway. These grapes were treated to the cool breeze of the San Pablo Bay that tends to produce bright fruit and crisp acidity. The wine received 100% malolactic fermentation and 100% barrel fermentation with 60% new French and 40% used American oak.

The Cold Creek Ranch Chardonnay presents a dark yellow gold color. Fruity aromas envelope the nose with toasty vanilla and green olive and a flinty overtone. On the palate you taste the ripe pear and green apple flavors followed with a hint of tropical fruits and mango. The creamy soft texture is a pleasure in the mouth and the buttery toffee flavors linger on.

 For more info: Laird Family Vineyards