Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Olema Chardonnay is a quintessential California Chardonnay, with notes of Anjoy pear, green apple, cinnamon stick, and wet stone on the nose. On the palate, the pear and green apple notes carry through along with caramelized pear and a roasted nut undertone, all with precise acidity that drives freshness balanced with the wine’s natural density.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2023 Chardonnay is a bright straw/silver color and has notes of melon, citrus sherbet, vanilla, and fresh flowers. Elegant and medium-bodied, with a floral and refined personality, it has a delicate, rounded feel, a clean texture, and a floral perfume on the finish. It was aged for nine months in 25% new French oak.
In 2005 after a decade of building their highly acclaimed flagship Napa Valley estate, Amici Cellars’ proprietors, John Harris and Bob Shepard, launched its sister brand, Olema, a distinct collection of wines that are focused on fruit and terroir, well-balanced in structure, excellent everyday wines.
The stand-alone brand is recognized for its portfolio of thoughtfully crafted, approachable wines. Under the direction of Amici Cellars’ skilled winemaking team, Olema has swiftly grown a fan following with wine critics and customers for its classic varietals and fresh new look.
At Olema the goal is to bring the best possible fruit to the cellar. The more the vines are in balance, the better the fruit, and the better the fruit, the easier it is to make great wine. From when the grapes arrive at the winery to when the wine is bottled, the Olema team ensures that its wines are both true to their classic varietal characteristics and growing regions.
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.