2022 Reserve Carneros Chardonnay

We selected fruit from Stanley Ranch in Carneros where the vines yield small, intensely flavored Chardonnay grapes. A splash of Viognier from Beaulieu Vineyard Ranch No. 9 was added to the blend to provide a fresh, floral lift to the wine. These vineyards are located in the cool, windy Los Carneros American Viticultural Area (AVA) at the southernmost tip of Napa Valley. The region’s shallow clay loam soils and marine-influenced climate foster ripe, beautifully balanced Chardonnay.

We harvested the grapes into small bins at night and delivered them to the winery in the cool of the morning. After gently pressing the whole clusters, we barrel-fermented the wine in small French oak barrels to add layers of flavor and textural complexity. The wine saw partial malolactic fermentation to soften the mouthfeel while bâtonnage (stirring the lees) enhanced the silky and creamy mouthfeel.