Mayacamas Chardonnay

The 2018 Chardonnay is aromatic, fresh, and mineral. Late spring rains and moderate summer temperatures concentrated flavors slowly in the vineyard, allowing for great precision at harvest.

2018 marks our team's fifth vintage of Chardonnay. We began harvest on August 28th and finished on September 14th under ideal conditions. Hand-sorted and pressed whole cluster, the Chardonnay was fermented and aged in barrel, puncheon, and foudre with 10% new French oak. 12-months aging in oak built texture without eclipsing the delicate white flower notes that make this vintage so attractive. Overall, 2018 is lively and fresh, featuring acacia blossom, lemon zest, marzipan, and green pear notes underpinned by lingering salinity. A firm acid backbone will make for a mouthwatering finish over the next 15 years.

The Chardonnay grapes are grown in rocky, volcanic soils high up on Mt. Veeder - the majority coming from 46-year old, dry-farmed Wente Clone vines. The vintage of Mayacamas Chardonnay — our team's fifth — showcases both site and vintage beautifully. Aromas of ripe lemon honeysuckle and crushed oyster shell highlight the nose. On the palate, the wine has the classic Mayacamas acidity and is framed nicely by the textural richness in the mid-palate that comes from a warm vintage.

Varietal Type: Chardonnay

Appellations: Mt. Veeder