2021 Estate Chardonnay

The Estate Chardonnay is an exciting new addition to our portfolio. Each year winemaker TJ Evans determines the ideal blend of Chardonnay grapes from our six Estate vineyards to highlight the vivid complexity of Carneros. The 2021 vintage marries two great Chardonnay sites, Palmer Vineyard and La Rocaille Vineyard. The Wente clone grapes from Palmer Vineyard lend acidity, while the Alexander Valley clone grapes of La Rocaille Vineyard provide unctuous richness, resulting in a complex and lively wine. Fermentation was conducted in barrel, mostly neutral oak with just a touch of new, steam bent, French Oak (25%) to support but not overwhelm the fruit. The wine rested on primary lees for 15 months with occasional stirring.