St. Helena Winery Chardonnay 2017

 The grapes arrived cold in the morning and were whole cluster pressed straight to barrel. The barrels (all French and 20% new) were moved to our cool cave which allowed for a slow fermentation over two months. After this, the malo lactic fermentation started naturally. The lees were stirred once a week over the 11 months in barrel, after which the wine was allowed to settle before racking and bottling. The wine is a beautiful light gold color.

The aromatics are intensely floral with peach blossoms, jasmine and honeysuckle. There is also a lemon custard and fresh rain element. The wine is lightly mouthfilling, with more lemon and grapefruit citrus around fresh pear. The acidity is bright and fresh, cleansing the palate. This wine is meant to be drank in its youth, but will develop nicely.