This wine opens with a bouquet of honeysuckle and floral notes. A swirl reveals hints of Meyer lemon and citrus zest, adding a refreshing brightness to the aroma. On the palate, it offers a delicate balance of flavors; the initial burst of citrus gives way to subtle sea salt undertones. The acidity is well-integrated, providing structure without overpowering the soft mouthfeel. The finish is clean and lingering, leaving impressions of floral sweetness and a touch of sea-spray freshness.
Vineyard Notes
Brassfield Estate grown Chardonnay is produced from one unique block in the High Serenity Vineyard. We have just enough Chardonnay hidden throughout the Pinot Noir vines of this block to produce a limited number of cases each year. This vineyard block sits within a westward-facing box canyon and is strategically positioned beneath a saddle in the ridge above. The descent of cool coastal air from the west makes this the coolest vineyard site in High Valley. These vines thrive on soil formed from ancient lakeshore and alluvial deposits. The rows are arranged northeast to southwest, ensuring optimal sun exposure, critical to grape development. All these factors work synergistically to produce a quality Chardonnay with depth and unique character.
Winemaker Notes
To ensure peak acidity and freshness upon arrival to the winery, we hand-picked these grapes in the early morning. After gentle pressing, we allowed the juice to cold settle overnight. The juice was racked off heavy lees and fermented in small stainless-steel tanks down to 10° Brix, at which point half the juice was transferred to new French Oak and completed fermentation in barrel. Sur lie aging with battonage (lees stirring) once a week created additional body, texture and viscosity in the wine. We then re-blended the finished wines to create the optimal flavor and aroma profile. This wine was aged 9 months, lightly fined and filtered before bottling for maximum freshness and brilliant clarity.