The Growing Season

2012 was an outstanding vintage in Napa Valley. Spring was mild and bud break, flowering and fruit set were all very smooth. Summer and Fall brought warm temperatures, and the cool Napa evenings allowed the fruit to enjoy a long, slow ripening. Our Chardonnay was hand harvested in the cool night hours starting on October 4th and finishing on October 6th.

The Winemaking Process

After night harvest, we gently whole-cluster press our Chardonnay grapes and put the free run juice in new French oak barrels to undergo 100% barrel fermentation. Here we depart from convention by performing a simultaneous primary and malolactic fermentation which helps to preserve the delicate floral aromas, producing a fresh and clean expression of Chardonnay. Post fermentation, the wine spends nine months sur-lie aging in French oak barrels, with stirring of the yeast lees adding layers of texture.

Tasting Note

Vibrant pale gold in color, with delicate aromas of pear, apple and stone fruit. On the palate, the mouth is medium bodied with layers of white peach, toasted nuts and fresh crème and honey. The wine finishes gracefully and invites you back for another glass.