Monticello

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.

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.

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.