This year's Damaris is a blend of two of the stars of the vintage. Not too surprisingly, the better quality grapes

came from very cool sites in this very hot vintage. Petersen vineyard is in the Sonoma Coast appellation and

Frostwatch is in the newly created Bennett Valley appellation. Both areas are typically late to experience budbreak

and have the toughest time with spring frost. While cropping levels were down everywhere, these two

vineyards had particularly low yields given the cooler sites and wet, cold April weather.

Well-balanced fruit and long, slow fermentations led to multi-layered flavors in these two wines. However, it

was the synergy of this blend that proved winning in our numerous tastings of our favorite lots for inclusion in

the Damaris Reserve blend.

Tasting notes for this wine included: pear, apple, lemon zest, balanced acid structure, viscous, creme brulee

and pineapple. This is a classically structured wine with great intensity and power.

The sweetness of new oak (30%) and ultra-ripe fruit from cool sites, gives the Damaris the richness and

structure to pair with the most opulent seafood, such as butter poached lobster or salmon, as well as grilled

halibut, tuna or swordfish. Both triple cremes and goat cheese will also pair well with this fleshy chardonnay.

Bottle Size: .750