Vineyard

In 2022, we had several atmospheric rivers which gave us the rainfall total we like, but the precipitation did not have a chance to sink in, so for growing purposes, it still seemed like drought conditions. We had a mild Spring and Summer with the exception of a couple days of 100°+ F in late June. The cool, foggy nights allowed the grapes to develop intense flavors. We began harvest on August 30. 

Cellar

Just pressed Chardonnay juice resembles unfiltered fruit juice. The clearer the juice, the fruitier the fermentation will be, so we clarified the juice by cold-settling it overnight at 48° F; the sediment settled to the bottom of the tank. We then pumped the juice off the sediment and inoculated it with yeast. We used four different strains of yeast, each providing a unique flavor profile to the wine.

We fermented 50% of this wine in French oak barrels to add complexity and depth; barrel fermentation integrated the oak into the wine, giving it a roasted nuts aroma and greater richness on the palate. The remaining 50% was fermented in stainless steel tanks at 52° F to retain more of the grapes’ aromas of citrus and tropical fruit. After alcoholic fermentation, 40% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation, converting the wine’s natural malic acid to the softer lactic acid, adding a creamy character to the aroma and a rich, supple texture on the palate. The wine was aged for eight months in French oak, bottled in July 2023, then bottled aged for 14 months before its release.

Drinkability

Fruit driven and young, the 2022 Chardonnay opens with bright fruit and floral aromas of jasmine, Eureka lemon, lychee, Honeycrisp apple and Comice pear. Fresh and lively on the palate, it has Charentais melon, pink grapefruit and toasted brioche flavors. The 2022 has great aging potential as evidenced by its complexity on the palate and its long, fresh finish. As this wine ages, it will develop the nuances of bottle bouquet that our Chardonnays display as they mature.

At Harvest:

22.5° Brix
0.68 g/100 mls TA
3.44 pH

At Bottling:

14.0% alcohol
0.58 g/100 mls TA
3.53 pH