Bonair Winery Rattlesnake Hills Chardonnay

Bonair Winery “Rattlesnake Hills” Chardonnay

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • Fermented and aged in 228 liter Burgundy barrels for maximum softness and richness on the palate.
  • This wine comes from Shirley’s Vineyard which is right around the winery. East-west rows give this vineyard extra hang-time so the grapes get riper without getting extra sugar.

Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay

Elaboration: They are gently crushed and pressed with low pressure in a Europress. After cold settling, they are racked to new French oak barrels and inoculated with yeast and malolactic bacteria. After fermentation is complete, the barrels are topped and the lees are stirred monthly.

Tasting Notes: Totally dry, but with a sweetness from the new French oak. Tropical fruit and butter dominate the palate with a creamy texture of being aged sur lees.

PRESS

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PRODUCER BACKGROUND

After falling in love with wine and each other in California, Shirley and Gail Puryear moved back to Washington, where they had originally met. They settled in Yakima Valley and planted their first grapes in 1980. On somewhat of a whim, they planted their first vineyard in 1980 and by 1984 they had their first harvest. The following year, they formed the Bonair winery. In 1992, they decided to make winemaking a full time gig.

Bonair Winery is situated in the heart of the Rattlesnake Hills AVA. It consists of 35 acres of estate-grown grapes on silt loam soils, known for their ability to produce premium wine grapes. With an average of 2800 growing degree days, the region compares favorably to the Napa Valley with warm days and cool evenings perfect for ripening Bordeaux reds, Chardonnay, and Riesling. The winery uses state of the art stainless steel equipment for processing as well as French and American oak for aging. Red wines are produced in traditional methods in small one-ton lots. Fruity wines are cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks. Bonair’s emphasis is on creating outstanding wines at affordable prices.

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