Wine Maker Notes Begining in 2005, our Reserve chardonnay is created in our new small lot winemaking facility, a “winery within the winery.” Under the direction of consulting winemaker David Ramey, we employ cutting edge techniques such as whole cluster pressing, “double dry” barrel fermentation and bottling unfiltered. With small tanks and equipment sized for the most discriminating vineyard selection process, our new facility is truly state-of-the-art, and represents the Klein family commitment towards producing the finest wines possible. The 2006 vintage began with a rather late bud break during an unseasonably cool and wet spring. March rains slowed shoot growth down considerably, and set the timer for a late harvest. After a fine May and June, much of July was a scorcher, including a 10 day stretch where every day saw temperatures over 90 degrees, and several days topped out at 110! Fortunately, the delayed development of the grapes kept sun scorch to a minimum. The remaining ripening period was accompanied by mild weather and promoted excellent flavor development, with the last of this chardonnay harvested on October 10th.