2009 Moraga White
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2009 Moraga White The year 2009 marked our fourth season of sub-normal rainfall. March began with record high temperatures and dry weather that was generally quite favorable for Budbreak. The month finished with cooler weather and a bit of rain, but that was the extent of moisture for the rest of the season. The balance of the spring and summer were unremarkable except that average temperatures over the summer were two or three degrees warmer than the norm. A cold spell in mid-August slid into ten straight days of heat that continued into September. This is a critical time in the flavor development of our Sauvignon Blanc grapes and for the first time in Moraga’s history, we weren’t happy with the direction in which the flavors evolved. We decided that this presented the perfect opportunity to experiment, so we left the grapes on the vines. The dry weather continued with only a smattering of rain in October and November. We finally picked the fruit on December 11that 42° Brix . The juice began a native fermentation about a month after picking and required a full year to reach a state of natural balance at 8% alcohol. We made a single barrel of this wine. The aroma of Moraga’s 2009 White Dessert Wine is quite effusive. Honeyed notes of tropical fruit, lemon, pineapple, and apricot nearly leap from the glass. These same flavors are found on the palate, along with tangerine, spice and a hint of caramel. Showing through all of this is a vein of Moraga’s signature minerality. Texturally, this is a rich, viscous, voluptuous wine. Although quite sweet, it is never cloying. The high natural acidity keeps the wine in beautiful balance and helps bolster the extraordinarily long, persistent finish. Two thousand nine was the sort of vintage that keeps us humble and reminds us that, ultimately, we are not in control. As farmers, we must react to the challenges that Mother Nature presents to us. Occasionally, these challenges create incredible opportunities and allow us to see into realms that we could never have anticipated. We are pleased that we can share this special place and these unique opportunities with you in a glass of wine. To your health and happiness. Tom Jones, Proprietor |