Palate
Possesses lots of citrus and green apple notes, medium to full body, and wonderful freshness, delineation, acidity and intensity. Those who complain that California Chardonnays are too buttery or oaky will love what Auteur has accomplished with this cuvée.
Pure, ripe and juicy, with peach, nectarine, green apple and citrus notes, eschewing oak and focusing on the grape. Presents a lovely, lingering finish.
Growing Conditions
A mineral-driven selection of ‘Old Wente’ clone from three of the best growing regions for Chardonnay: Dutton Ranch in Green Valley, Durell Vineyard in Sonoma Coast and Sangiacomo’s Green Acres Vineyard in Carneros. Each vineyard’s climate produces naturally low yielding, small tight clusters combined with the distinguished expansive clonal characteristics of Old Wente.
Winemaking
Whole cluster pressed, native primary fermentation with no malolactic fermentation.
Aging
Aged sur lie with batonnage in 25% new lightly toasted tight grain French oak with 75% aged in neutral French cooperage for one year.
