Nose
Our 2014 Reserve Selection Chardonnay opens with luscious aromas
of pear and apple with soft notes of honeysuckle and a touch of
toasted oak
Palate
Well balanced and coating on the palate, flavors of
melon, lemon and ripe pear culminate in a long, enjoyable finish.
Growing Conditions
The grapes for the Napa Valley Chardonnay come from our estate
vineyards in Jameson Canyon and select Napa Valley growers. The
estate vineyards are planted on rolling hills at the southern end of
Napa Valley. The growing conditions in the Jameson Canyon are very
similar to Carneros, the neighboring appellation just west of the Napa
River. Winds flow through Jameson Canyon, carrying in the cooling
influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean and providing a long, cool
growing season that enhances the intensity of the Chardonnay flavors.
The 2014 vintage in Napa Valley was one of the earliest harvested
vintages in years. A warm spring led to early bud break and created
the perfect environment for flowering and fruit set. With warm days
and cool nights, our team was able to maintain ideal acid levels with
optimum, bright fruit flavors.
Winemaking
Using no malolactic fermentation, moderate oak influence, and sur-lie
aging, our Napa Valley Chardonnay is made in a style that focuses on
the inherent qualities of this varietal. To preserve the unique Chardonnay aromas and flavors of grapes
grown in this region, the wine was whole cluster pressed and cold
fermented in stainless steel tanks.
Aging
Post fermentation, the wine was
fermented and aged sur lie (on the yeast lees) for 9 months, with
periodic lees stirring, in 75% Nevers and Allier French oak barrels
(20% new French oak) and 25% in stainless steel. The blending of
barrel aged and stainless-steel aged juice lends greater complexity and
roundness to the final wine while stirring the lees adds creaminess to
the wine’s mid-palate.
