2012 Winery of the Year - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine
Gold Medal - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Gold Medal - International Wine Channel TV Awards
The 2012 growing season in Northern California was one of the best ever, and was punctuated by long, even ripening without drama. Even the late rains were followed by dry, windy conditions. Indian summer blessed us throughout the fall—perfect weather for finishing up the season. The ample crop overall made tank space the only real challenge this year. It was a bumper crop of deliciousness.
This expressive 2012 Carneros Chardonnay is fruit forward and balanced, delivering scents of pear, apple, butterscotch and pineapple, laced with delicate floral notes of honeysuckle. The attack is layered with succulent stone fruit flavors and buttery, toasted pastry dough. The lively acidity, combined with a rich creaminess and almond toffee flavors, give this wine a long, pleasing finish.
Vintage: 2012
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Napa Valley
Harvest Date: September 12th - October 17th, 2012
Acid: 0.62 g/100ml TA
pH: 3.51
Aging: Barrel fermented in 34% new, 33% once and 33% twice-filled French oak barrels for 9 months.
Alcohol: 14.4%
95 Points
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
96 Points
Aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry liqueur, and purple flowers drive the nose of this energetic Syrah which is co-fermented with a whisper of Viognier. Gracing the palate are dark berries, plum, blackberries, peppercorns, hints of sweet tobacco, and well-positioned oak spice with plush acid and rich tannin peaking through the finish.
