2022 Chardonnay, Carneros, Napa Valley

The 2022 vintage started off drier than usual, followed by unprecedented weather including hail in May, heat spikes in September, followed by rain. Despite these challenges, we persevered. Harvest started in early August, and the flurry of activity didn’t let up until all the grapes were off the vine. It was an exciting vintage, challenging our winemaking team with another year of lower than desired yields. Our winemaking team transformed the meager yields into wines with refreshing acidity, as well as striking balance of flavor and mouthfeel. Wines from this vintage are marked by freshness, opulence, intensity, and elegance, all at the same time. Each lot was handpicked, gently whole cluster pressed, then racked, blended and aged 10 months in 100% French oak.

This Chardonnay hails from the cool climate region of “Los Carneros” also known as Carneros (Spanish for “Rams”). Carneros is an American Viticultural Area which includes parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties located north
of San Pablo Bay. The proximity to the San Pablo Bay delivers cool fog and afternoon breezes which keep Carneros cooler and more moderate than the wine regions farther north in Napa Valley. The cooler climate has made Carneros
attractive for the cultivation of cooler climate varietals like Chardonnay. The vineyard hosts a mix of several famous Chardonnay clones: Dijon, Wente & Robert Young.

The nose is rich with aromas of lemon, yellow apple and tangerine blossoms framed by toasted oak spice and vanilla. The medium-weight palate is marked by refined minerality and oak supporting a ripe palate of juicy nectarine, lemon
curd and fresh apple flavors. The finish is a crescendo of baking spice, and crème brûlée flavors. This wine is enjoyable now and will reward those who can patiently cellar it away for a few years.