2021 Chardonnay, Wild Oak Vineyard, Sonoma Valley • St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

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2021

Chardonnay

Wild Oak Vineyard

Sonoma Valley

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Chardonnay from our Wild Oak Estate Vineyard is a balanced and refreshing wine with a zesty bouquet of citrus and vanilla. It is crisp and fruity on the palate, with flavors of lemon curd, ripe melon, and toasted oak. The subtle hints of oak add depth to the medium-bodied wine, while the fresh acidity leaves a bright and clean finish.

Vintage Notes

Our 2021 harvest began just a little earlier than last year, with the first fruit picked on August 18. Limited rainfall during the growing season produced slightly lighter crops but brought intense, concentrated flavor and color. Free from lingering heat waves, the consistent weather during the summer months helped maintain fruit acidity for brightness and balance. Harvest continued through the middle of October when we picked the last red grapes from our estate Lagomarsino Vineyard.

Vineyard Notes

Our Estate Wild Oak vineyard was planted to three different chardonnay clones in order to offer a variety of complexity through aromas & textures. For this vintage, winemaker Katie Madigan combines clone 76 which produces a spicier more mineral driven chardonnay, clone 95 which adds a richness in the mouthfeel, and a touch of tropical notes from clone 548.

Winemaker Notes

Each clone is picked & fermented separately in bbl. Hand stirring occurs 2x/week after the completion of alcoholic fermentation, and when mouthfeel + acidity are in balance malolactic fermentation is halted & the wine begins its elevage period. The wine stays in bbl for 8 months without racking, until the final blend is created right before bottling.