2021 CHARDONNAY

In the spring of 2013, we partnered with Leif Olsen from Olsen vineyard and selected a site that would produce world class chardonnay. With its north slope, diverse soils and over 1200 feet of elevation, the site oers a truly dynamic climate perfect for chardonnay. Three distinct clones were chosen specifically to augment the already incredible characteristics of the site. Clone 548 is a low yielding clone that oers great aromatic intensity (tropical and stone fruits) and palate weight. Clone 76 provides a very elegant aromatic profile (minerality and citrus) with beautiful, focused acidity. Clone 809 is a chardonnay musqué clone known for its highly perfumed, muscat like aromatic (floral and sweet) and intense presence in the palate. Bud break and bloom in 2021 were earlier than normal. The weather was hot throughout much of the growing season. Like 2020, the 2021 vintage produced exceptionally low yields. Berries were remarkably small, and clusters were extremely light. This led to wines with amazing depth and intensity. Hand harvested on September 4th, the fruit was whole cluster pressed and settled overnight. After being transferred to barrel the wine was inoculated and fermented at very low temperatures for over 30 days. During its time in barrel the wine completed malolactic fermentation and was gently stirred to suspend the lees and add greater depth and weight to the palate. Aged in a combination of 68% stainless steel, 14% concrete egg, 9% new French oak and 9% used French oak for 10 months the wine was racked once prior to bottling in June of 2022.