Exceptional!
Delicious for any occasion, or perfect for aging. Enjoy with herb-crusted pork ribs, grilled chicken Caesar salad, poached salmon and more.
Vintage: The 2023 Carneros vintage is described as exceptional, with a long, cool growing season leading to high-quality fruit. A wet winter and spring provided ample soil moisture, supporting a healthy bloom and a long, mild summer. This resulted in extended hang time for the grapes, allowing for optimal flavor development and a balance of acidity and sugar. While some vineyards experienced mildew pressure, the loose clusters and consistent weather allowed for good airflow and healthy fruit.
Vineyard: This special single vineyard Chardonnay, sourced from the famous Sangiacomo Vineyard in Carneros, is not to be missed. On the nose, you'll first enjoy the slight oak, with essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage. Once you swirl the wine on your taste buds, the minerality, soft melted butter, quince and fig flavors will titillate them. Truley a chardonnay lovers Chardonnay.
Winemaking: After whole-cluster pressing and cold settling, the juice was racked into small stainless steel fermenters and inoculated with CY3079 yeast. The juice was transferred to 60 gallon Francois Freres and Marsannay Bur-gundy-shaped barrels, of which 40% were new oak, for the start of barrel fermentation. The wine remained aged sur-lees for a period of 7 months during which it was stirred every 10 days.
Winemaker: Nils Venge, regarded as one of the foremost pioneers in the Napa Valley wine industry who became the first American winemaker to receive a perfect 100-point rating from Robert Parker on his 1985 Reserve Cabernet while at Groth.
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Sonoma County, Carneros
Vineyard: Sangiacomo Vineyard
Harvest date: September 16th, 2023
Sugar: 23 Brix (average)
Total acid: 6.9 g/L
pH: 3.44
Cooperage: 40% new French oak barrels
Bottling date: April 2024
Release date: September 2024
Alcohol: 14.2% by volume
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
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.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
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