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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
Download Wine Notes
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