January and February 2015 were the warmest on record, resulting in early budbreak. Cooler, wetter weather in spring months slowed development, however, leading to a challenging, extended bloom period. The resulting uneven fruit set translated to a small crop and smaller berries with very concentrated flavors. The very early budbreak resulted in an equally early harvest.

We press whole clusters for phenolic delicacy (low tannins). Native yeast and full native malolactic fermentations take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage. After nineteen months in 20% new French oak barrels from François Freres, this Chardonnay was bottled without filtration in June 2017.

Coming from special vineyard sites, our Chardonnays show great depth of flavor, length of finish, aromatic complexity, and a fine balance between richness and delicacy.  Typically, the climate is cool and the soil vigor low, producing graceful yet vibrant wines.  This is our fourth bottling from this unique vineyard.