I’M Wines

Chardonnay, Napa Valley

VINES

The fruit of I’M Chardonnay 2003 comes from the Russian River Valley, Knights Valley, and Alexander Valley three very different growing regions of northern Sonoma County. The Russian River Valley, where temperatures are cooler, produces fruit with higher acids and crisp tropical characteristics. The Alexander and Knights Valleys are generally warmer throughout the day. Grapes from this area have broader, ripe orchard fruit flavors, and more mineral characteristics lending warmth and lushness to the final blend.

VINTAGE

The 2003 growing season did not follow its typical course. We had many extremes. The later than usual harvest allowed the flavors to mature and the berries to ripen.

WINEMAKING

After a gentle harvest, we pressed the clusters and went straight to barrel for fermentation. We used French and American oak chateau barrels for fermentation and for barrel aging. We aged the wine on the lees (yeast cells) and stirred the wine with lees (bâttonage) to enhance texture. After fermenting the juice into wine, it went through a secondary (malolactic) fermentation to achieve roundness and brightness. Malolactic fermentation converts the malic acid into lactic acid, achieving a wine that is more smooth, round, and complex than it was prior.

All wines under the I’M label are wines Isabel enjoys drinking most. The label text is written by her and gives the reader a good understanding on her wine philosophy: “enjoy a glass of delicious wine with friends and family and don’t fuss over it.” Isabel collaborates with a graphic designer to develop the packaging. Why the Bordeaux shape bottle? This shape was easier for Isabel to pour. She has a better grip on the Bordaeux, than the Burgundy shape. Look for I’M Rose from Napa Valley, a delicious dry wine with a long finish.

I’M Chardonnay, inspired by and made for Isabel A Mondavi, by her son Rob. The special relationship shared by Isabel and Rob, allows him to interpret and develop her desires into a finished product. Rob is not only the winemaker, but he also came up with the brand name; the “IM” are her initials. Not new to the wine industry, Isabel has witnessed the business first hand for 39 years and now she has designed wines which reflect her own style.

MORE WINES

Chardonnay | Rosé | Pinot Noir