Our 2021 Chardonnay was harvested in 4 separate lots over 3 days from our Monticello Estate. The fruit was hand-picked and cluster sorted prior to being whole cluster pressed. 2021 was a very consistent growing season, and wonderful for our earlier ripening varietals. We harvested at ideal ripeness, with brix ranging from 22.8 to 23.8. We fermented 24 unique micro-batches in oak barrels, stainless steel and concrete tanks, then blended everything back together in a magnificently layered representation of our vineyard. 

This wine has ripe berry fruit and spice aromas, followed by dark cherry, mocha and coffee tones on the nose. On the palate the wine has a powerful and expansive entry. I find black cherry, blackberry, and coffee all layered with some very nice toasted nut tones. The wine is well balanced and elegant. The tannins are structured and provide great framework for aging gracefully. This wine is best enjoyed from a decanter, 30-45 minutes after opening.

I find this to be an elegant example of the diversity of our Monticello Vineyard in Oak Knoll District. The aromas are subtle but dynamic, offering strawberry, cola, cinnamon and hints of vanilla on the nose. On the palate, the wine is very well balanced, displaying a soft, velvety texture with a vibrant beam of acidity which provides a wonderful structure for such an elegantly framed wine. I find the wine is a little darker on the palate than on the nose, offering flavors of raspberry, black cherry, and cola leading into a long, smooth finish.