90 points, Gold Medal, L.A. International Wine Competition
Our Santa Clara Valley Chardonnay has historically been sourced from vineyards along the Central Coast. But this 2016 vintage marks the third year since this wine returned home - completely grown on our own Sarah’s Vineyard blocks. Having complete “dirt to bottle” quality control insures this fairly limited release is a special one.
Citrus, melons, pear, and wild flowers – our 2016 Santa Clara Valley Chardonnay is a beautiful testament to this historic vineyard. On the nose, melon, pear, honeysuckle, and Meyer lemon are framed by notes of walnut, vanilla and spice. These characters carry over to the palate, where they are joined by bright acidity and a light touch of oak.
In 2016, the drought continued in full force throughout California. Yields for 2016 everywhere were light but the Chardonnay fruit off our own blocks picked on September 29 showed great intensity and full phenolic ripeness.
After hand sorting, the free run and light press juice began primary fermentation, using yeast D254, in primarily neutral French oak barrels. Malo-lactic fermentation was induced. The wine was aged for eleven months in small French oak cooperage. The lees were “stirred” in each barrel twice monthly. The Santa Clara Valley Chardonnay was bottled in early August of 2017.
Appellation: Santa Clara Valley
Vineyard: Sarah's Estate
Grower: Tim Slater
Harvest Date: September 29
Alcohol: 13.9%
Total Acidity: 0.61
pH: 3.28
Cooperage: French oak, 11 months
Bottling Date: August 2017
Production: 459 cases
