Winemaker Notes
The 2019 Quartz Creek Vineyard Chardonnay is only the second release from this cherished parcel. The small, organically farmed site is located in the north-western section of the Oak Knoll District, right up against the border of Yountville. The microclimate captures the cool morning fog that rolls in from San Pablo Bay, which helps to preserve the freshness and levity found in classical Chardonnay. Sheltered by the Mayacamas mountains to the west, this site is protected from the hottest of afternoon sun. This environment creates a long growing season for the fruit to develop a level of depth and complexity that is uncommon. Harvested under the moonlight, vinified with traditional techniques, and a tiny percentage of new French Oak allows the site to best express its innate characteristics of Lemon Blossom, Honey-suckle, fresh citrus, and Seaspray.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Apricots, sliced apples, praline, cream and hazelnuts on the nose. Full-bodied with fresh acidity and a layered, nutty palate. Lively and vivid. Aged mostly in cask. Very Burgundian at the end with the tangy acidity. This will age really well. Drink now or hold.
Renowned for crafting Napa Valley's first cult wines, Heitz Cellar is globally recognized as the crown jewel of American wine. The timeless post-Prohibition style of winemaking endures with esteemed winemaker, Brittany Sherwood, producing elegant and balanced wines sourced from 100% organic and biodynamic Napa Valley fruit. Pioneering pure varietal, single-vineyard wines that can age for decades, including the iconic Martha’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Heitz Cellar wines hail from the region’s most premier vineyard sites including Oakville, Rutherford, Howell Mountain, St. Helena, and Oak Knoll. Family-owned since its founding in 1961, Heitz Cellar continues to embody the artistry and legacy of classic winemaking with single-vineyard wines that position it as one of the world’s leading wine estates.
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.