Growing Conditions
This is our second estate Chardonnay, from the heart of the Russian River Valley. It has a complex and harmonious mouthfeel, balancing power & elegance.
January and February 2015 were the warmest on record, resulting in early budbreak. Cooler, wetter weather in spring months slowed development, however, leading to a challenging, extended bloom period. The resulting uneven fruit set translated to a small crop and smaller berries with very concentrated flavors. The exceptionally early budbreak led to an equally early harvest.
Bottling
Bottled without filtration.
Winemaking
We whole-cluster press for phenolic delicacy. Native-yeast and full native malolactic
fermentations take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage.
Aging
After aging 18 months in 20% new François Frères barrels, this Chardonnay was
lightly fined and settled in tank.