Winemaker Notes
Sit back, relax and bask in rich aromas of ripe pear, melon, toasted hazelnut, vanilla and jasmine that beautifully complement flavors of yellow peach, Fuji apple, honeydew melon and toasted brioche. This medium-bodied Chardonnay has the perfect balance of richness freshness, and mild acidity.
Fake a power outage and enjoy this wine by candlelight, with a decadent triple-cream cheese and roasted lemon chicken.
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.