Nose
Jennifer’s Chardonnay shows the pedigree of its cool climate with aromatics of mandarin, orange blossom, and cool climate salinity. There are hints of buttercream and crème de menthe in the background aromatics adding richness and complexity.
Palate
The wine has great weight and concentration, with interplay between the minerality and tension of the cool climate and the fruit intensity of the old Wente selection. Flavors of citrus and baked pineapple play off the subtle barrel influence and acidity, giving the wine great length and complexity.
Growing Conditions
As with the Pinot Noir we have produced by the same name, this inaugural release of Jennifer’s Chardonnay is named in honor of co-proprietor Jennifer Hartford. This wine is defined by its power, concentration of fruit, structure and an underlying elegance. Jennifer’s Chardonnay is sourced from a vineyard in the windy and very cool Sebastopol Hills neighborhood of the Russian River Valley AVA. The block was planted to old Wente selection Chardonnay in 2005. We now have a sense of the place and the wine it can produce and are very excited to share it with everyone.
Winemaking
Native yeast
Aging
16 months, 100% French oak: 42% new
