Unfiltered Chardonnay 2021
Upon first impression the wine appears a bit restrained and reticent; mineral driven notes of petrichor and flint tantalize the senses. Its unassuming nature, however, quickly gives way to bursts of citrus blossom, stone-fruit, and ripe tropical notes of pineapple and guava. These aromas dance with each swirl of the glass and compliment the more complex notes that reveal themselves: nutmeg, clove, sourdough leaven, and even notes of marzipan. The palate evokes a similar array of tastes, but also dazzles with a supple texture, and mouth-watering finish that lasts an eternity.
Unfiltered Chardonnay 2021
Upon first impression the wine appears a bit restrained and reticent; mineral driven notes of petrichor and flint tantalize the senses. Its unassuming nature, however, quickly gives way to bursts of citrus blossom, stone-fruit, and ripe tropical notes of pineapple and guava. These aromas dance with each swirl of the glass and compliment the more complex notes that reveal themselves: nutmeg, clove, sourdough leaven, and even notes of marzipan. The palate evokes a similar array of tastes, but also dazzles with a supple texture, and mouth-watering finish that lasts an eternity.
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Style
White
Description
Upon first impression the wine appears a bit restrained and reticent; mineral driven notes of petrichor and flint tantalize the senses. Its unassuming nature, however, quickly gives way to bursts of citrus blossom, stone-fruit, and ripe tropical notes of pineapple and guava. These aromas dance with each swirl of the glass and compliment the more complex notes that reveal themselves: nutmeg, clove, sourdough leaven, and even notes of marzipan. The palate evokes a similar array of tastes, but also dazzles with a supple texture, and mouth-watering finish that lasts an eternity.
Details
VINEYARD
The core of our Chardonnay grapes for the Unfiltered series come from the Newton estate Vineyard and a few select growers all within the Napa Carneros AVA. Carneros is marked by well-drained soils and rolling hills that border the San Pablo Bay. Sea breezes combined with morning and afternoon fog, keep temperatures cool and consistent. As a result, the area supports a long growing season, which allow our grapes to achieve even and optimal ripeness—leading to wines of exceptional length and freshness.
VINTAGE CONDITIONS
The second straight year of drought conditions set the tone for this harvest by naturally limiting the capacity of the vines. Low yields and small concentrated berries were observed in nearly all our vineyard parcels. The natural reduction in crop did not damper the quality, the flavor development and freshness observed in the resultant wines of 2021 are unparalleled. It is surely to be another exemplary vintage for the Napa Valley. .
VINIFICATION
To make the 2021 Unfiltered Chardonnay, all fruit was handpicked at night, whole bunch pressed, and 100% barrel fermented utilizing indigenous yeasts. Malolactic fermentation proceeded naturally and finished on 85% of the lots, we retained a slight amount of malic acid in the final blend to elevate and lengthen the wine. The wine was aged for a total of 10 months in French oak barrels, 25% of which were new. During maturation, every barrel lot was tasted biweekly and hand-stirred when needed to re-suspend the lees. This technique protects the wine naturally from oxidation and promotes added complexity. The individual lots were then blended and bottled unfiltered.