2021 Elke Vineyard Chardonnay
New Release!
2021 was skimpy on crop but big on flavor. Out of the glass, aromas of lemon merengue, orange zest, vanilla, and marigold. In the mouth, the palate is a playful combination of biting into a luscious ripe pear, but with more the intense flavor of a nectarine, all while being anchored in that dependable Anderson Valley acidity. Barrel fermentation and nine months of aging in French oak (25% new) have added a touch of toasty richness and a hint of honey to this elegant Chardonnay.
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Tasting Notes
2021 was skimpy on crop but big on flavor. Out of the glass, aromas of lemon merengue, orange zest, vanilla, and marigold. In the mouth, the palate is a playful combination of biting into a luscious ripe pear, but with more the intense flavor of a nectarine, all while being anchored in that dependable Anderson Valley acidity. Barrel fermentation and nine months of aging in French oak (25% new) have added a touch of toasty richness and a hint of honey to this elegant Chardonnay.
Vineyard Designation
Elke Vineyard
Vineyard Notes
2021 was the second dry winter we experienced in a row. Under these circumstances, the vines started with only about half the normal water in the soil when they began growing in April. As we expected to happen, it was an early-ripening season, with that year’s vine growth and resulting crop lower than usual. Although there were no extended heat events, the grapes did produce a riper style at moderate alcohols.
Winemaker Notes
The grapes were harvested early in the morning and whole bunch pressed into tank. After 48 hours settling the juice was racked into French oak barrels (25% new). The barrels were not inoculated, and 3 days later wild yeast began to noticeably ferment. After about 15 days the barrels were inoculated with malo-lactic bacteria as the ferments finished. The barrels were topped and stirred biweekly until the New Year, then only topped. The wine remained on lees for 6 months. This wine was filtered to allow aging but not fined.
Pairings
Pairs well with a Seafood Bisque or a Chicken Beurre Blanc
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Download Wine Notes
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| Vintage |
2021 |
| Wine Style |
White Wine |
| Varietal |
Chardonnay |
| Varietal Composition |
100%
Chardonnay
|
| Appellation |
Anderson Valley |
| Harvest Date |
September 9th |
| Acid |
7g/L |
| PH |
3.36 |
| Aging |
9 months |
| Barrel Aging |
9 months
75%
neutral oak
25%
new French oak
|
| Bottling Date |
July 14th, 2022 |
| Alcohol % |
13.8 |
| Size |
750 ml |
