Metz Road Chardonnay 2021

Our Chardonnay bears the aromatic and textural signature of the Riverview Vineyard. This is a lavish wine that reflects the character and complexity of this windy, cool-climate property. The nose includes notes of green apple, pear, citrus, and mango with hints of toasted oak and lemon peel. The medium-bodied palate is lush, round and concentrated, with balanced acidity and a lingering vanilla finish.

Our estate Riverview Vineyard is a 340-acre, cold-climate (Region 1), sustainably farmed, benchland property that overlooks the Salinas River. It is situated on the east side of the Salinas Valley just below the Pinnacles national Park. This property features granitic soils, great exposure and little protection from the strong winds that scrub the valley every afternoon. It is planted to an assortment of varieties, clones and rootstocks specifically matched to the various micro-climates, soils and aspects of the terrain. The namesake Metz Road runs alongside the property.

The grapes were hand-picked in the cool early morning hours to ensure freshness. A portion of the fruit was hand lugged, gently pressed, settled and then transferred to new French oak barrels stored in a refrigerated container at the Riverview Vineyard. This guaranteed that the fermentation was initiated by wild yeast indigenous to the site. Following a long, cool barrel fermentation, the wine was kept on its lees and aged in 100% french oak barrels (47% new) for 12 months. Regular stirring of the lees enhanced the aromatics and texture. The final blend was a selection of our top barrels.

Following a long, cool barrel fermentation, the wine was kept on its lees and aged in 100% french oak barrels (47% new) for 12 months. Regular stirring of the lees enhanced the aromatics and texture. The final blend was a selection of our top barrels.

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