2004 Ryo-Fu Chardonnay

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Vineyards:	Heintz Ranch 64% and Black Emerald 36%
Barrel fermentation and aging:	100% French oak, 33% new, 67% 1 year old, fermented and aged 10 months sur lies
Bottling:	July 26, 2005
Production:	256 cases

2004 marks the introduction of the Ryo-fu Chardonnay to the Freeman portfolio of wines. It combines the attributes of two very distinctive Russian River vineyards. Almost 2/3 of the wine comes from Charlie Heintz's Ranch in the very cool Green Valley area of the Russian River. Meticulous farming and low yielding old vine Chardonnay from Heintz give the 2004 Ryo-fu a crisp mouthfeel and flavors of stone fruits that are subtle on the nose and last well into the finish. The other 1/3 of the 2004 Ryo-fu comes from Dennis and Mary Black's vineyard called Black Emerald, located in the heart of the Russian River on Vine Hill Road. From this warmer site we get lush, tropical fruit flavors that give the palate added dimensions of richness and length.