In 2017, we again sourced the fruit from the Bruzzone family’s vineyard in the Glen Canyon and Granite Creek watersheds of the Santa Cruz Mountains, just a few miles from Santa Cruz itself. Here the ancient raised - seabed soils and true Region I cool climate provide perfect conditions for growing world-class Chardonnay.
On the nose, pineapple, pear, honeysuckle, and lemon are complemented by notes of almond. These characters carry over to the palate, where they are joined by bright acidity and a light touch of oak. A perfect match with roast chicken, cream-sauced pastas, or a variety of cheeses. Enjoy now through 2022.
After hand sorting, the free run and light press juice began primary fermentation in barrels, using yeast D254. Secondary malo-lactic fermentation was induced. The wine was aged for ten months in small French oak cooperage, twenty-five percent of which was new wood. The lees were “stirred” in each barrel twice monthly. Tropical fruit, citrus, and flowers – our ‘17 Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay is a spectacular example of a great vineyard site paired to small lot winemaking.
Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains
Vineyard: Bruzzone
Grower: Berna & John Bruzzone
Harvest Date: September 2017
Alcohol: 14.3
Cooperage: French oak, 25% new, 10 months
Production: 281
