Nose
The 2015 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Chardonnay offers up bright fruit aromas of citrus, fresh apple, pear and white peach along with hints of warm brioche and baking spice, with subtle floral notes on the finish.
Palate
The flavors are crisp and steely with juicy citrus fruit finishing with flint and mineral.
Growing Conditions
After three abundant, mild harvests in a row, the 2015 kicked off with unseasonably warm temperatures, resulting in early budbreak and bloom. Colder temperatures in May (the peak of bloom) caused some uneven fruit set which ultimately resulted in a smaller crop compared to previous years. Harvest was one of the earliest on record on the valley floor. The ongoing drought continued to be a concern, though Napa Valley received 75% of normal rainfall.
Bottling
April 25, 2016
Aging
6 months 40% stainless steel; 50% used French oak, 10% new French oak
