Monticello

Our 2020 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. 2020 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. 

Our 2019 Cabernet Franc was hand-picked, then destemmed and berry-sorted on the crush pad. Fermentation lasted 12 days with the wine drained and pressed at dryness. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrels. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 24 months. 1/3 new French oak. Since the wine is 100% varietal, there was no blending, but the barrel selection was completed at 18 months aging, 6 months prior to bottling.

This 2021 Corley Chardonnay from Block 1 is the richest of our three estate-grown Chardonnays from 2021. The wine has rich, ripe aromas of guava, honeydew and cantaloupe that are very nicely balanced with citrus-oriented aromas of lemon and grapefruit. These expressive fruit aromas are complemented by a nice streak of vanilla and oak from the barrel fermentation, and subtle butterscotch and caramel from the malolactic secondary fermentation. The wine is full on the palate, with a richness and creaminess that somewhat belies the wonderful acidity that is in the mid-palate. This contrast is very appealing, and the wine glides across the palate seamlessly towards a vibrant, yet graceful finish.

I find enticing aromas of cherry, black currant, anise nicely framed by a lightly sweet and fragrant vanillin oak. On the palate, the flavors follow through consistently with the aromas, and the wine is framed very nicely with moderate tannins that extend through to a lengthy finish.

I find vibrant midnight aromas of blackberry, cassis, hints of anise with undercurrents of toasted oak and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is rich in contrasts of robust ripe fruit and vibrant acidity. The midpalate is full, framed by modest tannins, and a richness that lingers through to the finish.