Winemaker Notes
The 2025 Meadowcroft Chardonnay is sourced from the coolclimate Napa Carneros appellation, where the influence of San Pablo Bay brings morning fog, afternoon breezes, and moderate temperatures. These conditions allow the fruit to ripen slowly, preserving natural acidity while developing vibrant aromatics and exceptional balance. This wine offers bright, expressive aromas of green apple, citrus rind, marmalade, and apple candy. On the palate, vibrant flavors of lemon, lime, crisp green apple, and subtle tropical notes create a lively yet balanced profile. A round, smooth mouthfeel carries through the wine’s fresh acidity, leading to a polished and refreshing finish.
This versatile Chardonnay pairs beautifully with roasted chicken with citrus and herbs, grilled halibut, or creamy seafood pasta. Its bright fruit and balanced texture also complement crab cakes, burrata with stone fruit, or grilled shrimp with lemon butter. For lighter fare, enjoy it alongside fresh summer salads, mild cheeses, or a warm brie and apple tart.
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.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.