2017 began with a very wet winter.  The summer was mild until a significant heatwave around Labor Day. Afterward, temperatures were warm and steady, allowing winemakers to make picking decisions based on optimal fruit maturity rather than impending weather. Yields were average to light. Fruit quality ranged from great to exceptional, with well-preserved acids.

Harvest Dates| Brix        August 29 | 23.3˚

We press whole grape clusters for phenolic delicacy. Native yeast and full native malolactic fermentation take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage.

After aging 20 months in 20% new François Frères French oak barrels, this Chardonnay was lightly fined and settled in tank. It was then bottled without filtration.