Sonoma County Chardonnay 2020
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.
90 Points
Sunset International Wine Competition
2020 vintage
Harvest Note
The 2020 growing season enjoyed near-perfect growing conditions. With minimal rain this winter, the vines were awakened with ideal, moderate spring-time temperatures and no frost threat to the developing buds. Veraison occurred 7-10 days earlier than previous years due to the temperate weather. Even daytime temperatures and cool nights throughout the summer months with a few short-lived heat spikes allowed for excellent flavor development. The year saw an early end to harvest as wildfires threatened the region.
Tasting Note
Crisp flavors of fresh Fuji apple, Meyer lemon blossom and a hint of butterscotch
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Chardonnay
APPELLATION: Sonoma County
ABV: 14.1%
AGING: 6 months in 100% French oak
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.
