Nose
Tension between richness and acidity. Lemon zest and bright apple aromas give lift to mango, white peach, and toast.
Palate
The palate follows with lemon curd, white peach, Bartlett pear, and hints of graham cracker and nutmeg. This wine is round, silky, and viscous, showing good weight with zesty acidity that carries freshness and provides added dimension. Enjoyably broad and expansive on the palate with a long, lemony finish.
Growing Conditions
he 2017 growing season began with heavy rainfall, filling reservoirs and replenishing soils following a five-year drought. Harvest began at a normal pace and then progressed rapidly during a heat wave in late August and early September. In mid-September, the temperature cooled and the grapes continued to ripen gradually.
Harvest
Our Chardonnay was hand harvested at night.
Winemaking
hen quickly sorted and pressed in full cluster. The grapes were allowed to ferment with wild yeasts, which added layers of complexity. Post-fermentation, the wine was cooled to delay native malolactic fermentation until spring. Winemaker Michael Beaulac allows plenty of lees contact during aging and stirs routinely to enhance a creamy mouthfeel.
Aging
The wine was aged in French oak for 12 months, using 60 percent new French oak barrels.