Tasting notes
Our charming Chardonnay is gracious with vibrant fruit and supple texture. Apricot, pear, and hints of peach and pineapple are layered by toasty maple, vanilla, and pie spice notes. The palate is long and round with rich viscosity that comes from malolactic fermentation and the combination of oak aging with lees stirring. Clean, ripe citrus flavors extend the finish and add a refreshing lift to the rich fruit. A go-to Chardonnay, this wine pairs perfectly with any occasion. Enjoy it with grilled chicken, seafood, or light pastas.
Technical information
Appellation
California
Oak treatment
5 months in American oak and French oak
Alcohol
14.1%
Winemaking
The grapes for our Chardonnay were harvested in the cool morning hours. To preserve the fruit character, we maintained these low temperatures for a majority of the fruit through fermentation. We fermented the juice from these grapes with a combination of French and American oak to support the fruit and add subtle notes of baking spices. Additional weightiness was achieved with malolactic fermentation and regular lees stirring.
Vineyard
Our Chardonnay is sourced from several vineyards along California’s Central Coast. Influenced by the nearby Pacific Ocean, these coastal sites have a cool marine influence that allows the fruit to mature slowly for bright, balanced flavors. Our Paris Valley Ranch Vineyard, nestled against the foothills of southern Monterey County, produces rich tropical and bright citrus flavors. Warmer daytime temperatures and nighttime cooldowns at our Red Hills Vineyard in Paso Robles result in riper flavors of apricot and melon. The remainder of the fruit comes from Paicines, a unique region nestled in the Pinnacles mountain range that offers Bartlett pear and baked red apple notes.