Growing Conditions
The core of our Sojourn Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay is from the same vineyard source as the highly-acclaimed Sojourn Sangiacomo Vineyard Pinot noir wines. This wine features a combination of Clone 95 Chardonnay from Sangiacomo Roberts Road Vineyard and Old Wente Clone from Sangiacomo Vella Ranch and Green Acres. The Roberts Road block, planted in 1998, provides minerality and vibrancy. The Old Wente Clone selections are known to produce distinctively small clusters, low yields, and result in elegant, complex wines that round out this blend. These ranches are perfectly suited for growing Chardonnay, with cool climates and well-draining soils.
Harvest
In 2016, California experienced a fifth year of severe drought conditions, resulting in small grape clusters with tiny berries. Yields were slightly higher than in 2015 as the vines were more in balance. Moderate summer temperatures allowed sugar levels and flavor development to progress slowly and evenly. A few brief heat spikes gave way to a cooler than normal August, allowing for longer hang times without rapid sugar accumulation.
Bottling
Bottled unfined June 2017.
Winemaking
In 2016, the individual Sangiacomo vineyard
components were harvested on separate nights and delivered to the winery
early in the mornings. They were immediately whole-cluster pressed and
barreled down into French oak barrels for fermentation in a temperaturecontrolled
cold room to retain bright aromatics and freshness.
• Pressed whole-cluster
• Fermented in French oak barrels
• 100% malolactic fermentation
• Native yeast
Aging
30% new French oak.
