Our 2015 Estate Chardonnay is our most historic wine, having engendered our world class reputation for this noble grape from our very first vintage in the late 1970's. It boasts flavors of gala apple and white peach with a citrus / vanilla oak finish. 91 points - Josh Raynolds, Vinous
Our Estate Chardonnay is our most historic wine, having engendered our world class reputation for this noble grape from our very first vintages in the late 1970s. For this 2015 edition, all the fruit came from our own Sarah’s Vineyard blocks. Harvest took place the last week of September of that year. After hand sorting, the free run and light press juice began primary fermentation in French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation was induced. The wine was aged for eleven months in small French oak cooperage, twenty-five percent of which was new wood. The lees were “stirred” in each barrel twice monthly. Apple, stone fruits, and spice – our 2015 Estate Chardonnay is equal parts power and finesse – the result of a classic vineyard in its prime. It boasts flavors of Gala apple and white peach with a citrus / vanilla oak finish.
Only 260 cases were produced.
Limpid yellow. Livley, sharply focused citrus and orchard fruit scents are complemented by suggestions of fennel and chalky minerals. Nervy and dry on the palate, offering bitter pear skin, meyer lemon and quince flavors and a refreshingly bitter touch of quinine. A deeper melon quality arrives on the finish, which lingers very good intensity and focus.
In 2015, the drought continued in full force throughout the state. Yields for
2015 for the most part were about “average” with ripening on a normal curve.
The Chardonnay off our own estate blocks showed great focus and purity,
with near perfect sugar / acid balance at harvest. Harvest took place the last
week of September.
After hand sorting, the free run and light press juice began primary fermentation,
using yeast D254, in French oak barrels. Malo-lactic fermentation was
induced. The wine was aged for eleven months in small French oak cooperage,
twenty-five percent of which was new wood. The lees were “stirred” in each
barrel twice monthly. The Estate Chardonnay was bottled in late July of 2016;
only 260 cases were produced.
Malolactic: 100%
Harvest Date: September 2016
Alcohol: 14.2%
Cooperage: French oak 25% new, 11 months
Bottling Date: July 2016
Production: 260
