La Carrière, French for “the quarry,” aptly describes this vineyard's bowl shape and its tremendously rocky soils. Situated between 1600 and 1800 feet above sea level on steep mountain slopes exceeding forty percent in grade, the vineyard has ideal southern and southeastern exposures. The vineyard’s shallow rocky soils provide excellent drainage, low fertility and regularly the lowest yields on the estate. La Carrière with its concentrated “liquid minerality” effectively reflects its mountainous origin.
Bud break came early for Chardonnay in 2003 – the first week of March. Cold, stormy weather extended bud break into April. Though berry set was excellent , bloom was especially long, causing some irregular ripening patterns later in the season. By the end of June, the vineyard crew began hand thinning the crop to ensure even quality. The summer weather was consistent and warm, permitting a long and controlled harvest through September and the beginning of October.
