Nose
The fantastic 2013 growing season yielded a blockbuster Chardonnay with alluring aromas of pear, pineapple, quince and lemon custard, as well as hints of toasted butter, vanilla, cinnamon and clove.
Palate
On the palate, this rich, mouth-coating wine offers delicious layers of Mandarin orange, tropical fruit, sweet oak, caramel and cream, all underscored by bright natural acidity that keeps the abundant fruit flavors fresh and lively.
Growing Conditions
Like the Chappellets, the Sangiacomos are viticultural masters and multigenerational winegrowers. Their cool, windswept vineyard has an ideal location bordering San Pablo Bay where the grapes slowly mature, developing intense varietal character, while retaining excellent acidity and structure.
Harvest
2013 was one of the most idyllic growing seasons in many years, with picture-perfect weather from spring through harvest. Though late-2012 rains provided enough water to ensure adequate soil moisture, drought-like conditions throughout the 2013 growing season limited vine vigor and allowed us to further fine-tune our viticultural techniques. With temperatures that were neither too hot nor too cold, we achieved ideal ripeness, while still preserving excellent natural acidity. With no threat of rain or heat events near harvest, we were able to pick all of our fruit precisely when we wished.
Aging
The wine was fermented in French oak barrels, aged on its lees for eight months and underwent malolactic fermentation during the aging process.
