Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Carneros Chardonnay offers aromas of lemon meringue, citrus blossom, spiced Asian Pear and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. On the palate there are layers of creamy lemon curd, candied lemon peel, crisp red apple, sweet almond with a kiss of spice. The oak is a pleasant backdrop supporting the core of fresh, crisp fruit underpinning the overall round and mouth-pleasing structure of the wine, leading to a long, dry, clean, refreshing finish. The inviting aromas, flavors, viscous texture and persistent acidity show a well-integrated wine that slowly reveals its complex nature with every swirl and sip from the glass.
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesA firm and creamy white with cooked apples, lemons and hints of pears. Medium to full body. Crushed stone and peaches with some flint. Matchsticks. Complex and real.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.