This Chardonnay showcases aromas of green apples, white hedge flowers and lime blossoms that
gracefully make way for flavors of poached Russet apples, Meyer lemon and honeycomb, that are best
described as a combination of wildflowers and beeswax. The mouthfeel is elegant and bright, followed by
an extended citrus-inspired finish.
Mendocino County has a diverse range of microclimates, from cool, coastal, elevated mountain vineyards which produce exquisite Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, to hotter inland hills and valleys that are ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. These inland areas have the common trait of weather that is influenced by fog and/or cool airflows from the Pacific Ocean. During the summer months inland Mendocino County can experience very hot days, but the vines are able to recover in the evening due to the cool coastal breezes blown in from the Pacific Ocean. This cooling effect helps create a slightly longer growing season and good retention of acidity. Mendocino County is the northern-most growing region of the North Coast AVA and is known for its unique microclimates, alluvial soils with their sand, silt and clay mixture, that are particularly well-suited for growing grapes with vibrant acidity and complex, yet balanced fruit flavors.
We picked the fruit at around 18-22° Brix to impart, what we believe, is the ideal balance of acidity and flavor. We begin picking in the middle of the night to retain natural acidity and freshness before pressing the grapes out into stainless steel tanks. Once the juice has settled for a few days, we inoculate with yeast and ferment dry. Winemaking focuses on enhancing the aromatic and textural components of the wine to ensure a pleasurable experience from start to finish.
This Chardonnay showcases aromas of green apples, white hedge flowers and lime blossoms that
gracefully make way for flavors of poached Russet apples, Meyer lemon and honeycomb, that are best
described as a combination of wildflowers and beeswax. The mouthfeel is elegant and bright, followed by
an extended citrus-inspired finish.
The 2023 harvest was one of the latest in recent memory, with the first bins coming in almost three weeks behind what is customarily normal for us due to cooler temperatures during spring and summer. Winter brought an unusual amount of rain, along with cold weather and wet soils that delayed and then extended the bloom period. Veraison began around late July and proceeded slowly. The cooler growing period has allowed the grapes to mature gradually and produced healthy canopies and increased vine health. In the past year, Lake County saw a dramatic reversal, going from severe drought conditions to one of the wettest winters on record, and the deepest Sierra Nevada snowpack in 40 years. We are thrilled to see our beloved Clear Lake full again, and what that means for the surrounding groundwater at our vineyard. Overall, 2023 will be known for being a high-quality vintage with wines exhibiting beautiful flavors, outstanding balance and vibrant acidity.
