Chardonnay – Santa Lucia Highlands

Chardonnay – Santa Lucia Highlands

Grapes for this Chardonnay were harvested off Hillside Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation, which is located in the Central Coast of California. The pronounced slope of the eastern-exposure vineyard provides well-drained soils. Varying level of grape maturity calls for multiple passes during harvest. The grapes were harvested with the chill of October nights and delivered directly to press with no crushing. After 48 hours of cold settling the juice was clean racked into three component programs.

Part of the wine was fermented at cooler temperatures in stainless steel tank to emphasize fruit and acidity, part at warmer temperature, in stainless steel tanks as well with lees stirring (followed by partial malolactic fermentation), and the remaining in small, one to three year old barrels, at a relatively warm 65ºF and on the lees, going through full malolactic fermentation. All parts were then assembled, with a final breakdown of 80% aged in oak (40% fermented in small barrels) and 30% in stainless steel only. Partial malolactic fermentation gives a creamy richness balanced by bright fruit acidity. Focused with aromas of golden apple, ripe citrus, tropical fruit and almond with touches of creamy yeast, vanilla and oak in the background.