Sonoma County Chardonnay 2023
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. To preserve Chardonnay’s delicate flavors, aromas and acidity, the grapes are picked at night and in the very early morning hours. Grapes are immediately pressed, then fermented in separate lots in French oak barrels. The wine undergoes partial malolactic fermentation and is aged for six months. During aging, bâtonage (stirring the lees by hand) is performed to achieve complexity and a rich mouthfeel.
Gold Medal
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2023 vintage
Harvest Note
Cooler temperatures and an abundance of spring rains in 2023 pushed back the first day of harvest to the beginning of September. The later start and extra ripening time for the fruit allowed flavors and color to develop slowly for depth and concentration. Warm fall days spread out harvest to the end of October for many of the red varieties, with a final pick of Merlot delivered to the winery on November 2.
Tasting Note
This elegant Chardonnay brings refreshing notes of fresh pear, crisp apple and a hint of butterscotch on the nose. Rich flavors of orange blossom honey, apple galette, roasted pear and white peach emerge on the mid-palate and complement the touch of minerality on the finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Sonoma County
ABV: 14.10%
Unique Selling Points
- A classic example of Sonoma County Chardonnay
- Select fruit from the finest regions: Sonoma, Carneros, Alexander Valley and Russian River Valley
- Versatile pairing with chicken, crab or cream-sauce dishes
"I love a bright, crisp Chardonnay with flavors of apples and pears - a classic expression of Sonoma County. Perfect on a summer afternoon or paired with a meal."
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.
