We’ll be featuring our 2018 Chardonnay as the May Wine of the Month! This middle weight Chardonnay will please Chardonnay lovers and non-lovers alike. Balanced notes of melon, and lemon custard glide over the palate. Perfectly integrated oak provides a complimentary structure for the acidity. Zero residual sugar keeps this wine refreshing and makes a perfect pairing with rich creamy dishes.
After a year of bottle age, this wine continues to grow more rich and complex. Melon has morphed into tropical waves of pineapple and starfruit. Hints of coconut cream provide soft landing for a full body texture with still bright acidity.
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2018
Vineyard Designation: Del Arroyo Vineyard
Appellation: Livermore Valley AVA
Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Alcohol: 13.7% ph: 3.8 TA: 0.42 g/100mL
Brix: 23.6 at harvest
Harvest Date: 9/21/18
Release Date: April, 2020
Click here to buy a bottle or two or twelve!!
NOTES
Vineyard
The Del Arroyo Vineyard boasts the highest elevation grapes grown in the Livermore Valley – between 700-1100 feet. This allows wide variations in temperature that allow for prolonged maturation. Careful attention to canopy and water management gives us extremely consistent fruit year after year.
Winemaking
This Chardonnay went directly to press at harvest. The wine was aged sur lie for nearly 14 months, and developed very slowly in the barrel. Lees were stirred weekly to enhance mouth-feel and richness.
Fermentation
Fermentation began in tank with CY3079 yeast, and completed after being transferred to barrel. We inoculated for malolactic fermentation with a low diacetyl producing strain to minimize acidty and promote a creamy texture without overwhelming notes of popcorn or butter.
Aging
Aged in barrel for 14 months. 25% new French oak. 75% neutral.
Interests!!
Charcuterie boards, garden parties, triple cream Brie, Saturday morning soccer, Carbonara, Friday happy hour, farm to table locavore restaurants and the Kentucky Derby.
