Winemaker Notes
The 2019 is light golden in color; aromas of Meyer lemon with hints of kiwi jump from the glass braced by hints of lemongrass and honeysuckle. On the palate, the entry is round and the barrel fermentation is evident by the creamy mid-palate, then the mouth-watering finish adds length and bright texture to the wine, creating an extremely balanced Carneros Chardonnay.
Enjoy on its own or with an array of lightly creamed pastas, grilled chicken and seasonal salads.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Gentle aromas of white peach, sliced apples and wet stones on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with crisp acidity and pretty cream and stone-fruit flavors.
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.