Harvest
2018 brought in a seamless growing season for Napa Valley. The winter was plentiful with record breaking rains that finally ended the drought for the state. Budbreak and flowering progressed under near perfect conditions resulting in even fruit set with higher than average yields. The mild summer, defined by warm days and cool maritime winds allowed for long hang times. The clusters ripened with complex flavors and great phenolic development.
Winemaking
The Chardonnay was picked in two batches – the original vines from the 1980s were picked first and the younger, replanted vines picked later allowing fruit to ripen perfectly for both sections. The fruit was whole cluster pressed and barrel fermented with native microflora. To preserve acidity and freshness, the wines were stopped at 50% malolactic fermentation. The wines were aged sur lie in 50% new oak for 8 months prior to bottling.
