WINEMAKER’S NOTES:
The grapes were harvested in the cool of the morning and gently pressed as whole clusters to conserve the vibrant, fruity flavors. Eighty-five percent (85%) of the juice was fermented in French oak barrels (34% new) and the balance was cold fermented in stainless-steel tanks to retain brightness and purity of fruit. Partial malolactic fermentation balanced the lively acidity and added complexity. Each barrel lot was aged on the yeast lees (sûr lie) and was hand-stirred regularly (bâtonnage) throughout nine months of aging, for seamless integration of flavors and a rich, creamy finish. The wine was bottled in September of 2015.
Tantalizing ripe Asian pear, red apple fruit and crème brulée mingle beautifully with toasted almonds and hazelnuts, a touch of lemon rind, and ginger spice, which all flow seamlessly across the palate in this classic Napa Valley Chardonnay.
