Vintage Notes
Early bud break in March led to a dry and moderate spring and summer. September-harvested Sauvignon Blanc grapes ripened under perfect conditions, while rainy weather in October enhanced the natural botrytris cineria infection of the Semillon grapes in the vineyard. Harvest was completed in early December.

Winemakers Notes
The grapes for the Eldorado Gold come from vineyards in Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys. While some of the Semillon grapes for this wine are naturally infected with botrytris cinerea in the vineyard, the remaining hand-harvested Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes are gently placed on trays and inoculated with a pure strain of botrytris cinerea, then dehydrated for 15 days before pressing. The pressed juice is cold settled for two days before inoculation with yeast, and fermented until the desired alcohol and residual sugar levels are met. The wine is chilled and filtered to stop fermentation, then barrel aged for 16 months before bottling.

Rhonda's Recipe and Pairing Notes

The 2007 Eldorado Gold is exceptional paired with light fruit desserts such as apricot or apple tart, lemon desserts, and hazelnut or almond cookies. Dense buttery pound cake, summer berries, crème brulee, caramel sauce and aged cheeses also pair nicely.