Winemaker Notes
Remarkably vibrant and refreshing, 2021 Signature Chardonnay reveals layer upon layer of bright citrus fruits with mineral-driven
power. Crisp quince, Asian pear, and lemon blossom flavors burst from the palate and are framed by flinty notes of limestone and gravel. Despite the wine’s bright exuberance, it bears impressive weight with a delicately creamy texture that is sliced by its racy acidity. Subtle hints of nutmeg and brioche nod to the varietals classic traits and complement the long, enjoyable finish.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
Aromas of golden apples, sliced mangoes, white tea, bread crust and young walnuts. Medium- to full-bodied and juicy with crunchy acidity that gives it tone and freshness. Attractive, with a citrusy, lightly phenolic finish. Drink now.
-
Wine Enthusiast
Butterscotch, butter and caramel notes dominate this oaky, rich, almost candied wine. A full body and creamy, buttery texture add to a sweet expression enhanced by aging 11 months in 50% new French barrels.
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.
One of the world's most highly regarded regions for wine production as well as tourism, the Napa Valley was responsible for bringing worldwide recognition to California winemaking. In the 1960s, a few key wine families settled the area and hedged their bets on the valley's world-class winemaking potential—and they were right.
The Napa wine industry really took off in the 1980s, when producers scooped up vineyard lands and planted vines throughout the county. A number of wineries emerged, and today Napa is home to hundreds of producers ranging from boutique to corporate. Cabernet Sauvignon is definitely the grape of choice here, with many winemakers also focusing on Bordeaux blends. White wines from Napa Valley are usually Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that claim specific wine characteristics based on situation, slope and soil. Farthest south and coolest from the influence of the San Pablo Bay is Carneros, followed by Coombsville to its northeast and then Yountville, Oakville and Rutherford. Above those are the warm St. Helena and the valley's newest and hottest AVA, Calistoga. These areas follow the valley floor and are known generally for creating rich, dense, complex and smooth red wines with good aging potential. The mountain sub appellations, nestled on the slopes overlooking the valley AVAs, include Stags Leap District, Atlas Peak, Chiles Valley (farther east), Howell Mountain, Mt. Veeder, Spring Mountain District and Diamond Mountain District. Napa Valley wines from the mountain regions are often more structured and firm, benefiting from a lot of time in the bottle to evolve and soften.