Nose
Butter, spice and toasted oak flavors and aromas.
Palate
This is a balanced, fruit driven wine that is delicious and while excellent on its own. The pear, pineapple and mango characteristics are in harmony with the butter, spice and toasted oak flavors and aromas.
Growing Conditions
The 2012 vintage was dry and cool. After spring rains ceased around the end of March, we expected an early harvest. However, another long and cool growing season allowed for slow development of flavor and character in the Chardonnay on Atlas Peak. Chardonnay grows best in cool climates and Atlas Peak at an elevation of around 1800 feet, qualifies for that in the Napa Valley. Cool breezes are constantly keeping the temperature optimum for growing good Chardonnay. The fruit was hand harvested on September 22nd on a cool and overcast morning. The pristine fruit was redolent of tropical fruit and was bright yellow-gold in color. These 20-plus year old, mature vines produced a wine of depth and elegance.
Winemaking
The grapes used to make this wine were gently placed as whole clusters directly in the press, lightly squeezed and the delicious juice was placed in a small stainless tank for 24 hours for settling.
Aging
It was racked to small French oak barrels where it fermented and aged for five months, undergoing 30% malo-lactic fermentation that added richness and texture to the wine. The wine was left sur lies for four months.
Food Pairing
Pairs well with a wide variety of dishes from Chicken Caesar Salad to Alaskan Halibut with Peach reduction to Vanilla Crème Brûlée.
