Winemaker Notes
The 2022 California Chardonnay was harvested in cool temperatures then gently whole-cluster pressed into stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Then, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation and aging on French oak for several months to impart a supple mouthfeel and to add structure and depth to the wine.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This opulent wine offers aromas of baked pear, Golden Delicious apple, caramel and notes of toasted oak on the nose. Flavors on the palate are peach, apple and cinnamon, layered with orange slices and a dry, supple finish. Pair with shrimp scampi linguine.
California’s most praised white wine, Chardonnay is also the state’s most planted white grape variety. Diverse terrain and microclimates allow for an incredible range of wine styles.
Chardonnay planted in the cooler, coastal zones takes on bright characteristics like lemon zest, key lime, green apple and wet flint. For this style, look to the chilly Sonoma Coast, Carneros, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands and Edna Valley.
The inland zones of California’s coast, such as the Russian River, Sonoma, Napa and Livermore Valleys maintain a more Goldilocks-esque climate where both styles go. Early picking retains acidity and creates a leaner style but leaving the grapes to hang creates an approachable Chardonnay, balancing richness and finesse.
Chardonnay also plays a major part in the sparkling wine production of the Anderson Valley and Carneros.