Nose
This wine is bursting with green apple, Meyer lemon, Bartlett pear,
toasty notes from the barrel, white flowers, and spices.
Palate
We inhibit malolactic fermentation, so the aromatics are not muted
by overbearing buttery notes. The palate follows the nose, and is bright with
crisp acidity, but isn't lean due to barrel fermentation and lees exposure.
Green apple and citrus mingle with toasty notes for the barrel.
Growing Conditions
2011 was one of the coolest growing seasons in
Napa for decades. Where our estate fruit was able to complete maturation,
many growers had a tough time ripening their fruit. Seasons like this can
actually fair well for our Chardonnay, which is grown much further south
than our estate. Chardonnay doesn't do well in the heat, so it was right at
home in this cool season.
