Nose
The wine opens with notes of tropical fruits, which complement the aromas of figs, peach, pears, yellow apples and hints of butterscotch.
Palate
The palate shows the subtlety of the oak, in a supporting role to the primary fruit. The texture is rich, yet the finish maintains a balanced vibrancy.
Growing Conditions
The Oak Knoll District, a sub-appellation in the southern end of Napa Valley is ideally situated for growing Chardonnay. The warm days promote the ripeness and lush aromas and flavors in the grapes. The afternoon breezes from the San Pablo Bay and cool nights help preserve the natural acidity in the juice.
Harvest
Hand-harvested in September 2019.
Winemaking
The Chardonnay grapes are hand-harvested, crushed and then the juice soaks on the skins for 6 hours prior to pressing, which helps extract important aroma components from the skins. 25% of this wine was fermented in new oak barrels, which contribute a minimal level of oak characteristics, and allows the natural fruit to shine through. The wine was then aged in the same barrels for 12 months prior to bottling.