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. 

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.

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 wonderful aromas of dark blackberry, cassis, hints of vanilla, and undertones of sweet caramel from the barrels. On the palate, the wine is bold upon entry, with characteristically robust tannins on the edges of the palate. The midpalate is full, providing depth and a strong foundation. The finish is long and lingering, and with a slight grip, as is typical for this vineyard.

I find vibrant aromas of black cherries, blackberries, raspberries all laced very nicely by a moderate stroke of vanilla and oak aromas from the barrels. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and displays a strength more typically found in our upvalley vineyards. The fruit is robust and bold, with wonderfully tannins that will age gracefully over years, and softens beautifully after about 30 minutes.