BACK
Wild Oak Vineyard
90 Points | James Suckling | Nov 2018
Gold Medal | North Coast Challenge | Apr 2019
Tasting Notes
A refreshingly silky Chardonnay, exuding a comforting bouquet of lemon meringue and warm kettle corn. The medium-bodied structure introduces a zest of citrus blossom subdued by a soft blanket of crème brûlée across the palate. Bright, vivacious acidity leaves a delicate note of clementine on the elegant finish.
Vintage Notes
The 2017 growing season started out wet with record-breaking rainfall. The mild spring led to a timely bud break and good fruit set, followed by ideal conditions of cool mornings and warm, sunny days throughout the summer months. A few days of intense heat at the beginning of September sped up ripening throughout the region. Well-timed picks meant the majority of the fruit was in by the first week of October. Beautiful color, well-defined aromatics, and outstanding flavor define this vintage.
Vineyard Notes
All of the fruit for this lovely wine comes from our Certified Sustainable Wild Oak Vineyard located at the base of the majestic Sugarloaf Ridge and Hood Mountain in historic Sonoma Valley. Over the centuries rock and gravel have washed down from the mountain range providing an ideal soil for Chardonnay while the region’s moderate climate prolongs ripening and hang time, promoting natural balance in this wine.
Winemaker Notes
The fruit is picked at night and delivered to the winery while still cold to preserve the wine’s delicate flavors, aromas, and acidity. Grapes are pressed whole cluster, then fermented sur lie in a temperature-controlled room kept at 55 degrees to ensure slow fermentation. The wine undergoes partial malolactic fermentation and is stirred by hand three times per week to increase mid-palate intensity.
