A bright but complex Chardonnay, this wine has upfront favors of crisp pear, lemon zest, pineapple, and hints of vanilla. Aromas of citrus and honeydew melon highlight the chalky minerality that runs throughout. This wine is smooth and balanced with refined acid structure, and a nice creamy finish.
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast: “Dried lemon peel and sandalwood lead into earthier tones of damp forest logs and struck match on the nose of this bottling. ere’s a tight, linear texture to the palate, where ashy and chalky flavors meet with light oak and seared pineapple.” —Matt Kettmann, October 2020
90 Points, Vinous: “Bright straw. Fresh citrus and orchard fruit and floral qualities on the nose, along with hints of tarragon and honey. Silky and open-knit, offering pliant orange, pear and melon flavors that show good depth and no rough edges. Delivers very good tenacity and spicy lift on the finish, which echoes the tarragon and honey notes.” —Josh Raynolds, January 2021
APPELLATION:
Edna Valley
VINEYARD SOURCE:
A compilation of select block within a single vineyard
VINEYARD CERTIFICATION:
SIP Certified Sustainable
CLONES:
76
SOILS:
Diablo series, clay loam, rocky marine sediment, volcanic remnants
HARVEST DATES:
October 17th – October 22nd, 2018
FERMENTATION:
100% barrel fermented for three and a half weeks
BARREL REGIME:
Aged sur lies for 9 months
ALCOHOL:
13.9%
TA:
7.0 g/l
PH:
3.36
BOTTLING DATE:
July 11th, 2019
CASES PRODUCED:
5,578
In 2018, the Edna Valley experienced the longest, coolest growing season since 2010. This is especially important for Chardonnay, which requires time and cooler temperatures to reach its full elegance, ripeness and expressiveness. Already known for its long growing season, Edna Valley wines from 2018, including this one, are exceptional and will be celebrated for their bright character, good depth and complexity in the many years to come.