Winemaker Notes
We're striving for balanced flavors. As a result, 40% of the blend went through malolactic fermentation; giving the wine some creamy texture without overpowering the beautiful citrus overtones. Weekly lees stirring also added to the creaminess of the wine. About 30% of the blend underwent barrel fermentation in a 50–50% mix of American and French oak, giving the wine some subtle toasty flavors.
As we like to say in our native Australia, "we reckon it's a cracker of a wine!" There's a nice balance between fruit and oak. The final blend is full of tropical fruit, melon and peach with a subtle hint of toasty oak. This is also a versatile wine, perfect with grilled seafood, chicken and creamy pasta dishes.
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.