Monticello

Our 2023 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. 2023 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. 

I find dark berry fruit, hints of spice and light toasted oak, vanilla tones on the nose in this wine. On the palate the wine is very well balanced with depth on the midpalate but also nuance and finesse on the finish. It is a celebration of the depth that can be attained with this varietal in Oak Knoll District. The attack is big, but is supported by layers of on the midpalate. The tannins are moderate, and the underlying fruit character is deep, so that this wine will evolve gracefully over time. The finish is big, and lingers with dark red berry fruit and toasted oak.

This wine displays expressive aromas of dark black and blue berries, cassis, mocha and hints of sweet toasted vanilla oak and spice tones. On the palate the wine is richly textured, wonderfully balanced from front to back with dark ripe flavors, full body, and robust tannins. The full finish goes on and on. Drink through 2038.

This wine is offering fantastic primary aromas of rich, ripe redberry fruit. I find undertones of sweet vanillin oak and hints of caramel. On the palate the wine is massive, with a wonderful core of fruit on the full midpalate. The balance of the wine from front to back is impeccable, and the finish is long and carries the fruit beautifully.

This is a deeply extracted, rich and robust wine. I find this wine bursting with black cherry and blackberry aromas, with hints of cocoa and coffee. On the palate the wine has an immediate presence, as the attack and midpalate are robust. The dark berry aromas follow through with consistency on to the palate. The tannins are big, but round and well-resolved and quickly round out what is a long, lingering finish. This wine will age gracefully for 20+ years.