93 Points - Tasting Panel Magazine
92 Points - JamesSuckling.com
92 Points - The Wine Independent
91 Points - Decanter World Wine Awards
Delicious for any occasion, or perfect for aging. Enjoy with herb-crusted pork ribs, grilled chicken Caesar salad, poached salmon and more.
Vineyard: This Chardonnay thrives American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Pablo Bay, which spills into the San Francisco Bay. The cool maritime breezes and morning fog allow the grapes to slowly ripen to develop complex flavors while maintaining a pleasing natural acidity that is impossible to achieve in warmer areas. Farmed all naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and they are certified organic.
Vintage: The 2022 growing season was yet another in a string of drought years. Though yearly rainfall was only slightly lower than average, the bulk of that rain came in October and December of 2021, while the spring of 2022 was uncharacteristically dry and gave way to a seasonably dry summer. This was followed by an intense heat wave during the first week of September, with temperatures soaring as high as 118 degrees Fahrenheit, causing a dramatic increase in grape’s sugar levels. Patient with harvest allowed cooler temperatures and normal sugar levels to return before picking.
Alcohol: 14.1%
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Aug. 19 - Sept. 15, 2022
Sugar: 23.5 Brix (average)
Fermentation: indigenous yeast
Total acid: 6.5 g/L
pH: 3.42
Aging: Fermented and aged 10 months
Type of oak: French oak; 40% new, 60% neutral
Bottling date: June 2023
All Wines
94 Points, Wine Enthusiast
This opulent wine opens with aromas of blackberry, black plum, violets and spice on the nose. Flavors on the palate of dark cherry, sarsaparilla and orange zest wrap around dried tobacco leaf, malt chocolate and toasted vanilla, with a long, supple finish.
91 Points, Wine Spectator
Deep red-purple with aromas of black currents, blackberry, plum, chocolate, earthy forest floor, licorice, graphite, and subtle floral notes of violet, spice and cracked pepper. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry fruit with notes of earth, firm acid and silky tannins. Finishes big with blackberry fruit and peppery spice.
91 Points, Wine Spectator
Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, followed by elements of chocolate, toffee, vanilla, black pepper, and coffee. Extremely smooth and velvety entry with good balance and silky tannins. Bright black cherry, blackberry and pomegranate with a lush texture filled with fruit, cocoa powder, clove, and a spicy finish. It's got it all with a velvety mouthfeel and long satisfying finish.
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