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Eighteen months in new French Marchive barrels from the central forests of France is how the Smith-Madrone 1999 Chardonnay began to become fine wine. For 10 months the lees were actively stirred once a month; then for the remaining 8 months in the barrel the Chardonnay was allowed to age undisturbed on the lees, for a total barrel aging time of 18 months "sur lie." We feel that 80% per cent of the malic acid converted to lactic acid, yet the wine retains the crispness of a wine retaining all its malic acid.

The 1999 Chardonnay really began 27 years ago when in 1972 brothers Charles and Stuart Smith planted these vines high atop Spring Mountain, west of St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Planted on their own roots, in red volcanic soil, on slope up to 35%, the vines receive only what water Mother Nature cares to have fall from the sky. These vines are dry-farmed---that means there is no irrigation. From the last rainfall in April until the first rainfall in October/November the vines must support themselves---"tough love," but we think the resulting wine is worth the considerable work to both grow and make it.

The wine has a wonderful complex floral perfumed aroma, blended with just a hint of toast and lemon. When the wine touches your mouth, the first sense is a wine that is full, smooth, soft and round---with flavors that linger on the palate. 40 barrels were produced.