Vineyard
This Chardonnay is sourced from a single vineyard in the Oak Knoll AVA, a sub-appellation in the southern end of Napa Valley is ideally situated for growing Chardonnay. The warm days promote the ripeness and lush aromas and flavors in the grapes. The afternoon breezes from the San Pablo Bay and cool nights help preserve the natural acidity in the juice.
Winemaking
The Chardonnay grapes were hand-harvested and whole cluster pressed directly into both barrel in stainless steel tanks. Fermented on ambient yeasts, the barrel fermentation is a bit warmer, created a fuller mouthfeel. The stainless fermentation is a little cooler and preserves the primary fresh aromas. Blending these two fermentation techniques creates a wonderful balance, and the wine is then aged 12 months in neutral oak barrels.
Vintage: 2020
Harvest Date: August 26, 2020
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay, Single Vineyard
Appellation: 100% Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley
Release Date: June 2022
Alcohol%: 14.4%
Production: 80 cases
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
