Sonoma County Chardonnay 2022
Trade Tools
America / Sonoma County
Estate-grown Chardonnay grapes from Sonoma Valley are blended with carefully selected fruit from Carneros, Alexander Valley and Russian River Valley to create a balanced and enjoyable wine. Grapes from each vineyard are handpicked in the cool of night to preserve delicate aromas, flavors and bracing acidity, and then fermented separately in either barrel or stainless steel. Barrels are stirred two or three times a week to enhance the wine’s mouthfeel and toasty, complex characters. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation to convert tart malic acid to soft lactic acid and then is aged before blending.
Harvest Note
The 2022 growing season started with early spring rains followed by ideal weather through late summer. Harvest began on August 15 with white and early ripening red varieties showing bright acidity and mouth-watering freshness. In September a period of triple digit heat over several days pushed maturity on the vines, until a few days of rain provided a refreshing break and gave the later-ripening fruit some extra hang time to develop deep rich color, remarkable aromatics and exquisite flavors.
Tasting Note
Flavors of juicy pear, apple galette and a hint of butterscotch
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Sonoma County
PH: 3.29
ACIDITY: .57 g/mL
ABV: 14.1%
AGING: 6 months in 100% French oak, 20% new
Unique Selling Points
- A classic, buttery California Chardonnay
- Select fruit from the finest Chardonnay regions: Sonoma Valley, Carneros, Alexander Valley and Russian River Valley
- Chardonnay grapes are handpicked in the cool of night and rushed to the winery before dawn, to preserve delicate aromas, flavors and bracing acidity.
- A versatile pairing with chicken, crab or cream-sauce dishes
“With its perfect balance and seamless structure, this Chardonnay is a classic expression of Sonoma County.”
Katie Madigan, Winemaker
About the Grape
Chardonnay
Though it has a distinctive profile, Chardonnay reflects other factors such as soil composition and vinification technique. Chardonnay is a reliable, hardy and prolific vine whose only real vulnerabilities are frost and uneven development of fruit.
