Winemaker Notes
Long, cool fermentation in a mixture of old and new barrels gives our Chardonnay layers of fruitiness and complexity that result in a wine that is very enjoyable when young or after several years of bottle age. This method of fermentation, in conjunction with whole cluster pressing and "sur lie" aging add layers of toastiness and creaminess to the wine. Together these components meld together harmoniously to create a balanced wine that is both lively and rich in aroma and flavor.
Certified sustainable through the Napa Green and Fish Friendly Farming.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2018 Groth Hillview Vineyard Chardonnay is expressive and persistent on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine delivers aromas and flavors of crisp apples, oak, a streak of minerality. Pair it with pan-fried Dover sole in a cream sauce. (Tasted: October 17, 2020, San Francisco, CA)
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James Suckling
Attractive fresh pears and apples follow to a fresh palate with bright, pear-pastry and lemon flavors on offer. Drink now.
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine offers creamy elements of melon and stone fruit. It has a richness of pronounced oak that works well with the soft texture and overriding opulence.
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Wine Spectator
Vibrant and well-structured, with a savory essence to the apple, pear and quince paste flavors. Sea salt and dried tarragon accents emerge on the crisp finish. Drink now through 2024.
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.
As one of Napa’s coolest sub-appellations, the area begs for diversity among its vineyards. Merlot and Chardonnay firmly compete with Cabernet Sauvignon for a place here. Some of Napa’s best Zinfandels also come from the Oak Knoll District.
Situated far in Napa’s southern end, Oak Knoll receives a strong cooling influence from both the San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Coast’s evening fog and breezes. Summer days are warm but on average ten degrees cooler than in St. Helena farther north up the valley; summer nights are chilly. A long growing season promotes for leisurely ripening of grape berries, resulting in an impressive balance of sugars, phenols and acidity.
Notable producers include Trefethen, one of the appellation’s oldest wineries, Robert Biale, legendary Zinfandel producer and Lewis Cellars, a family-run, hands-on establishment.