2021 Chardonnay, Mitsuko's Vineyard, Carneros
Generous notes of fresh melon, jasmine blossom and pear, underscored by subtle oak, give way to rich aromas of crème brûlée and peach. The wine gently evolves on the palate, showcasing notable flavors of pineapple, Asian pear and fresh-cut hay. Balanced, structured acidity with oak spice notes adds complexity without overwhelming the beautiful fruit character.
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Wine Specs
Vintage
2021
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Carneros Napa
Acid
6.0 g/L
pH
3.65
Aging
9 months, 30% new French oak
Alcohol %
13.5
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
The 2021 growing season kicked off in January and February with plentiful albeit short-lived rainfall. The remainder of the season was dry with nearly no rainfall, which resulted in early budbreak, followed by early flowering, bloom and fruit set. Temperate spring and summer conditions of cool mornings and very warm days allowed for even veraison in July and continued ripening all the way to when we picked Chardonnay in Mitsuko’s vineyard in September. The drought conditions created naturally lower yields, resulting in intensely concentrated, flavorful berries, and while less was produced overall, the wines bottled show excellent development and another fine vintage year.
Production
Picked in the early morning and delivered to the winery cold, the grapes were gently pressed. The juice settled for approximately 24 hours before being racked to tank to undergo a slow, cool fermentation. Using carefully selected yeast strains along with native fermentation, we allowed the wine to reach just beyond halfway through fermentation before racking to barrel; allowing the primary fermentation to finish in barrel. Using 30% new French oak, the wine underwent full malolactic conversion in our caves; during which time the wine was regularly stirred, increasing the mid-palate complexity. After approximately nine months, the barrels were blended and lightly filtered before bottling.
Other Notes
Aging potential: 8-10 years