Winemaker Mike Chelini says he wants people to “taste the vineyard” when they take a sip of Stony Hill Chardonnay. And sure enough, your first taste of the 2011 vintage is of very young, pure Char- donnay fruit with distinctive notes of apple and citrus and a hint of the Spring Mountain soil layered in. You are also aware of its hallmark crisp acidity, which we think gives the wine structure and the ability to age and develop richness over time. What we find truly unique about this vintage is the wine's ability to retain its crispness while presenting a slight creaminess on the palate. We've been amazed that the 2011 vintage, even though from a difficult year with May rain and a cool summer, has proved to be a quintessential Stony Hill Chardonnay.