Winemaker Notes
Aromas of lemon and lime are complemented by a touch of apple blossom and white peach. Subtle notes of toasted oak frame the palate which features more citrus flavors and hints of apple and pear. The lively acidity brings great balance and the finish is refreshing and smooth.
The bright citrus notes of this wine make it a perfect match for shellfish and tarragon. Try a simple dish of salt and pepper shrimp or caramelized jumbo scallops over rice. Also, try adding tarragon to fresh goat cheese and enjoy with your favorite corn bread and good friends!
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 Trefethen Chardonnay shows excellent elegance and style. TASTING NOTES: This wine brings aromas and flavors of apple and spice to the table. Serve it with an oven-roasted chicken. (Tasted: July 18, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
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.