Current Release:
Molnar Family Chardonnay 2008
Molnar Family Pinot Noir 2008
Release Window: **CLOSED**
Upcoming release:
Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauv. 2008
Obsidian Ridge Syrah 2008
Obsidian Ridge HALF MILE 2007
**COMING FALL 2010**
Upon release, first crack at the wines is given to those on the mailing list.
Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2007: 90 points, Wine Enthusiast" A beautiful Cabernet that shows the promise of this Lake County appellation."
Kazmer & Blaise Chardonnay 2006: 95 points, Wine Spectator "Deliciously complex, rich and layered, with a mix of fig, apricot,
spice and smoky, toasty oak, all fanning out to subtle nuances and ending with a wonderful finish."
Molnar Family Pinot Noir 2007: 91 points, Wine Enthusiast "...lush, appealing flavors of cherries, raspberries, cedar, cola, vanilla and spices. With a silky texture, it should develop through 2013."
more praise
2008 Molnar Family Chardonnay
2,552 cases produced
14.1% alcohol
3.32 pH
6.1 g/L titratable acidity
$25 per bottle
[TASTING NOTES] Heady aromas of ginger, cream soda and toasty marshmallow burst from the glass. This Chardonnay, while full of exotic flavors, remains vibrant and crisp. The flavors begin with candied citrus peel of mandarin orange and grapefruit which then blossom on the palate with rich, textured notes of marshmallow and cream. The finish delivers a crisp lemon/lime acidity that refreshes the palate and invites you back for more.
[VINTAGE] Grapevines thrive under stressful growing conditions, and 2008 fit the bill. A dry winter in late 2007 was followed by a series of severe frost spells in spring that hit low-lying regions in Carneros. Many growers lost their entire crop. However, our Chardonnay managed to escape with minimal damage. A low-rainfall year added to the strain, marking this vintage as the second drought year in a row in Northern California. Our vines, now over a decade old, are well established and were able to emerge strong through such stressful growing conditions, but thirsty vines make for intense flavors. In the lowest area of the vineyard, which was more susceptible to the spring frost, we selectively picked, bringing in only the undamaged and choicest Chardonnay clusters.
[WINEMAKING] At the crack of dawn on the day of harvest, the plump Chardonnay clusters were pressed whole. The juice was left with minimal lees and then fermented in our signature Kádár Hungary oak barrels. A cool primary fermentation protected the delicate aromas of the grapes. Malolactic fermentation progressed quickly this vintage, complementing our rigorous sessions of lees stirring to help build creaminess and complexity. The wine aged for 10 months prior to bottling.
Alex Beloz, Winemaker
Michael Blaise Terrien, Founding Winemaker
Click here to download the complete 2008 fact sheet
Click here to download the complete 2007 fact sheet
Click here to download the complete 2006 fact sheet