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
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
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.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
