Winemaker Notes
Each appellation partner in the 2019 Ménage à Trois Chardonnay contributes a distinctive quality to the finished blend: crisp, lemon and lime aromas from Monterey; vibrant, tropical fruit flavors from Santa Barbara; and beautiful structure from Sonoma. The resulting Chardonnay is full-bodied on the palate, with strong varietal fruit characters.
Professional Ratings
-
Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 Menage à Trois is lively and bright. TASTING NOTES: This wine exhibits fresh fruit aromas and flavors. Serve it as an aperitif and with light hors d'oeurves. (Tasted: December 16, 2021, Santa Rosa, CA)
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.