The Wine

Our Chardonnay grapes are grown on the estate Spanos Berberian Vineyard surrounding the winery, and blended with other select vineyards in the Yountville and Oak Knoll AVA. The estate vineyard enjoys warm summer days and cool evenings, resulting in grapes with rich fruit flavors and an excellent acid balance.

Vinification

The grapes were gently crushed directly into press, settled, racked, inoculated and fermented in their respective vessels. We fermented 40% of the wine in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and varietal character. We then chose to rack 60% of the wine into French oak barrels, 33% new oak, to ferment and go through partial malo-lactic fermentation to achieve a wonderful oak integration and develop volume and textural component. When all the separate wines are finished, the blending then takes place. We carefully select from the finished lots and blend them together to have total control, and to achieve the perfect balance of oak character but still keep the varietal character fresh, clean and vibrant.

Vintage Notes

The 2020 growing season was one for the record books. A warm, dry winter, with very low rainfall led into only a brief spell of mild weather and a couple rains during March.  However, consistently warm weather, frequently windy conditions and a long, hot summer led to two major fire events. The warm, early conditions were almost a blessing in disguise, as the second fire event (the Glass fire complex) had much more devastating consequences for Napa Valley proper, leading to the need to bring in any remaining fruit as quickly as possible before any additional smoke contact could do damage. We were luckier than many, having most of our remaining vineyard locations ready to be picked as soon as crews were able, and the fruit just having entered the ripened stage.  Volume was down quite a bit, and some fruit remained unpicked due to smoke damage, but the overall quality of the vintage was high. All in all, exceptional fruit with great intensity and flavors – just not much of it.

Tasting Notes

Our Chardonnay draws you in with aromas of golden apples, honey, lemon peel and hints of toast.  The color in the glass is a brilliant golden one.  On the palate, this is a quintessential Chardonnay in every sense.  More of that golden apple is on display here, along with brioche, ripe lemon, and toasty notes all presented with a creamy mouthfeel and a long finish that sings with bright acidity.  Enjoy this wine within 2 to 5 years from vintage date.

Technical Analysis

Varietal Chardonnay (100%)
Source Yountville, Napa Valley
Harvest Date September 17, 2020
Total Acid 0.59 gm/100ml
Sugar 24.9 Brix
pH 3.69
Alcohol 14.2%
Aging 100% barrel & partial malo-lactic fermented, barrel aged 10 months in 50% new French oak.
Bottle Date July 7, 2021
Production 150 cases