2021 Chardonnay

This is our 47th vintage of Chardonnay!

Our location in the southern end of the Alexander Valley is defined by the Russian River.  Morning fog, warm days and daily diurnal temperature swings of 40 to 50 degrees provide the  ideal growing conditons for our Chardonnay.

2021 was almost a perfect growing season, though it began with a cold start, and lack of rain.  The weather warmed up, but the drought con.nued. This was followed by weeks of steady day.me heat and cool evenings. The berries ripened evenly, however yields were a bit lighter than in prior vintages due to the lack of rainfall.

We harvest 70% of our Chardonnay at night when the grapes are cool to retain the natural acidity, then cold ferment those lots in stainless steel, without malolactic fermentation or barrel aging, to highlight the citrus and green apple flavors. We whole-cluster press 30% of the
best fruit and barrel ferment that portion in French oak barrels. The barrel fermented lots undergo secondary malolactic fermentation and age on the lees for six to eight months to develop roundness and body.

The 2021 is a full bodied, well balanced Chardonnay with loads of fresh fruit flavors. Aromas of apple, pear, vanilla along with slight floral note and hint of oak from the minimal barrel aging fill the glass. Bright flavors of pear, apple and tropical fruits along with hints of citrus are balanced by the rich mouthfeel.

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