The 2009 Chardonnay Nine Barrel is a selection from the estate’s best barrels of Russian River juice. It is an effortless, gracious wine laced with tropical fruit, sweet spices, pastry and lemon. Although the wine is quite rich in its flavor profile, there is no sense at all of heaviness. The Nine Barrel was vinified in French oak barrels (34% new), with full malolactic fermentation and lees stirring every 2-3 weeks. This is an impeccable wine from La Crema and winemaker Elizabeth Grant-Douglas. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Tel. (800) 314-1762