Nose
Our 2015 Reserve Selection Napa Valley Chardonnay opens with
delightfully fragrant aromas tropical notes of guava that are accentuated by
aromatic notes of blanched almonds and toast.
Palate
This beautifully balanced wine
coats the palate with cantaloupe minerality and creamy custard texture on the
palate.
Growing Conditions
The grapes for the Napa Valley Chardonnay come entirely from our estate
vineyards in Jameson Canyon. 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 unseasonably warm temperatures in the early growing season in the Napa
Valley in 2015 resulted in early bud break and bloom. Colder temperatures
later in the season caused uneven fruit set and resulted in a smaller crop than
previous average yields. Winemakers and vineyard crews worked diligently to
pick and sort the best berries. Harvest began as early as July 22nd, one of the
earliest harvests recorded and concluded by mid-October. While drought was
still a concern for most of California, Napa Valley received 75% of normal
rainfall for the water year.
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.
Aging
The wine was aged sur lie (on the yeast lees) for 9
months, with periodic lees stirring, in 100% French oak barrels (25% new
French oak) from coopers Leroi, Francois Frères and Saury. Stirring the lees
adds creaminess to the wine’s mid-palate.
