VINEYARD

Newton have been leasing and managing a vineyard just to the northern border of Napa in Knights Valley (Part of Sonoma County) for many years and occasionally bottling wines individually to express the unique character and quality of this site. Our Knights Valley vineyard was planted from 1983 to 100% Chardonnay on steep cool North facing slopes that are situated directly opposite from Mount St Helena whose ancient eruptions creates the deep red volcanic soils which provide excellent drainage. This is typically amongst the last Chardonnay we harvest and is characterized by a distinct floral lift to the predominantly citrus based fruit characters and fine vibrant natural acidity.

VINTAGE CONDITIONS

The 2015 season was one of contrasts. The vintage was noted by significantly reduced yields (-35-50%) a result of a cool and damp flowering period in Spring which resulted in poor fruit set and fewer berries per bunch. The Summer and Autumn were hot and dry continuing the run of drought conditions which commenced from the 2012 vintage. The quality of the fruit was outstanding although in limited supply with the vintage likely to be recognized as one of Napa Valley’s greatest.

VINIFICATION

The winemaking is classically simple and true to all our Chardonnays. Hand harvested fruit at optimal maturity is whole bunch pressed directly to oak (35% new) for natural fermentation of the cloudy juice. The wine once finished fermentation is allowed to complete its secondary malolactic fermentation combined with regular barrel stirring to maintain the freshness and build aromatic and textural complexity. 317 cases produced.