Winemaker Notes
This wine is a perfectly clear golden straw color in the glass, shining with aromas of Asian pear, lemon curd, a hint of white flowers, and a subtle note of nutmeg. In the mouth, the wine is crisp and inviting, with layers of sweet oranges, caramel, lightly toasted coconut and a soft vanilla cream soda note that lasts long into the finish.
FOOD PAIRING:
Enjoy this crowd-pleasing Chardonnay with petrale sole sautéed with butter, lemons, and capers, served with buttery mashed potatoes and a simple green salad.
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.