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.
Winter 2004 was characterized by persistent heavy rains, giving way to a sustained heat spell mid-way through March, thereby granting us an early-to-normal bud break for our Chardonnay. The bloom period was sunny and warm throughout May and resulted in great berry set. Following a hot, dry summer, we entered the final stages of ripening at a consistent, steady and even pace. Because of sustained temperatures in the 90’s, harvest began early in late August and culminated midway through September.
