Winemaker Notes
This Chardonnay displays a medium-yellow hue hinting at the wine’s intensity. Aromas bursting of tropical fruit, candied apricot, orange blossom, and grapefruit rind mingle with coconut. The palate follows through with a distinct richness of ripe pineapple, lemon curd, and balanced flavors of guava and tangerine. The acidity in this wine is mouthwatering. In ZD’s signature Chardonnay style, the wine is vibrant, complex, and finishes with vanillin notes, resulting in a long-lasting mouthfeel.
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.