Winemaker Notes
The Custard Chardonnay explodes with inviting aromas of vanilla scone, toasted almond, baked apple pie and creamy meringue cookies. The fragrant aromas lead to a lush mouthfeel filled with tropical fruit flavors; papaya and ripe guava. Additionally, flavors of vanilla custard, toasted buttered pie crust and whipped cream linger blissfully on the palate. The wine is richly textured yet well-balanced with juicy fruit and lively acidity. The wine is delicious to sip as an apéritif or goes well with many foods including creamy pasta, homemade chicken potpie or fresh seafood.
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.