VINEYARD

We source our Chardonnay grapes primarily from Carneros, with a smaller amount coming from the Rutherford AVA. Carneros is marked by well-drained soils and rolling hills that border the San Pablo Bay. Sea breezes from the nearby bay, combined with morning and afternoon fog, keep temperatures cool and consistent. As a result, the area supports a long growing season, which allows grapes to achieve even and optimal ripeness—leading to wines of exceptional length and freshness. Rutherford, located in the heart of Napa Valley, is characterized by warmer days and richer soils. Rutherford fruit brings volume and body to the blend.

VINTAGE CONDITIONS

2017 should be divided into two components: before and after Labor Day. The year started with extended rainfall, followed by a mild Spring, resulting in extended flowering with little shatter. Temperatures remained mild through the growing season up until August, which allowed for great flavor development in line with sugar accumulation. During Labor Day weekend, a heatwave kicked harvest into high gear. Sugar levels returned to normal when the weather cooled. All of our fruit was fermenting at the winery by October 8th—minus half of our Mount Veeder yield, which remained on the vine. On October 9th, a wildfire hit the Napa/Sonoma regions, ending the vintage for Newton. We did not pick any of the remaining fruit from Mount Veeder.

VINIFICATION

Our 2017 Unfiltered Chardonnay was fully handpicked at night, whole bunch pressed, and 100% barrel fermented, using indigenous yeasts. The wine was aged for a total of 12 months in French oak barrels, 24% of which were new. During maturation, every barrel lot was tasted biweekly and hand-stirred only when needed to re-suspend the sediment. This technique protects the wine naturally from oxidation and promotes added complexity. The individual lots were then blended and bottled unfiltered in February 2019.