The Estates Tier highlights wines sourced from a collection of vineyards in select appellations within Napa Valley, deemed by our winemakers to be among the very best.
A true reflection of place, the grapes for our Carneros Chardonnay were grown on the foggy, windswept slopes of the region. The cool nights, foggy mornings, and afternoon breezes that blow in from San Pablo Bay allow for the slow, even ripening needed for the development of key flavors and aromas.
VINEYARD SOURCING: The fruit for our 2021 Carneros Chardonnay comes from two spectacular Chardonnay sites on the Napa side of Carneros. The cool climate of this region, along with these sites’ clay loam soils, create the ideal growing conditions for fruit that results in an elegant and expressive wine.
VINTAGE NOTES: The 2021 vintage was an excellent, mild growing season. After rains in January and February, the growing season remained dry. Temperatures were moderate and the weather optimal at budbreak and bloom. Weather remained even through summer and harvest, and while drought conditions resulted in a lower- than-average yield with small, deeply concentrated berries, the quality was excellent. The fruit was harvested by hand from August 26 through September 17. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation, during which each lot was evaluated individually and its fermentation stopped at optimal texture. The wine aged sur lies for eight months in French oak to add a subtle, toasty character.
AROMAS
Citrus with jasmine, a flinty character, and toasty nuttiness
FLAVOURS
Fresh stone fruit and citrus carry all the way through a long, fresh finish
BODY
Fresh and juicy with great depth, nice density, and elegance on the palate
WINE ANALYSIS
TA: 6.8 g/L Final pH: 3.2 Alc/Vol: 14.8%
COMPOSITION
100% Chardonnay
BOTTLED JULY 2022
