Nose

Intense grapefruit and lime with aromatic florals of jasmine and
orange blossom. A hint of honey dew melon and fresh pear
provide additional depth.

Palate

The palate is medium to full bodied
with a juicy citrus core complimented by bright and energetic
mineral acidity. A classically styled wine and subtly textural and
of great purity and glowing with life

Growing Conditions

Newton have been leasing and managing a vineyard just to the northern
border of Napa in Knights Valley (Part of Sonoma County) for many
years and occasionally bottling wines individually to express the unique
character and quality of this site. Our Knights Valley vineyard was
planted from 1983 to 100% Chardonnay on steep cool North facing
slopes that are situated directly opposite from Mount St Helena whose
ancient eruptions creates the deep red volcanic soils which provide
excellent drainage. This is typically amongst the last Chardonnay we
harvest and is characterized by a distinct floral lift to the predominantly
citrus based fruit characters and fine vibrant natural acidity.

The 2015 season was one of contrasts. The vintage was noted
by significantly reduced yields (-35-50%) a result of a cool and
damp flowering period in Spring which resulted in poor fruit set
and fewer berries per bunch. The Summer and Autumn were
hot and dry continuing the run of drought conditions which
commenced from the 2012 vintage. The quality of the fruit was
outstanding although in limited supply with the vintage likely to
be recognized as one of Napa Valley’s greatest. The 2015 Knights Valley Chardonnay will cellar beautifully for
10-15 years

Harvest

Harvest date: August 29, 2015

Winemaking

The winemaking is classically simple and true to all our
Chardonnays. Hand harvested fruit at optimal maturity is whole
bunch pressed directly to oak (35% new) for natural fermentation
of the cloudy juice. The wine once finished fermentation is
allowed to complete its secondary malolactic fermentation
combined with regular barrel stirring to maintain the freshness
and build aromatic and textural complexity.