2018 Chardonnay, Sonoma County • St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

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93 Points | Sunset International Wine Competition | July 2020
Gold Medal | Sunset International Wine Competition | July 2020

Tasting Notes

The flavors and aromas of Fuji apple, juicy pear, and honeydew melon stand out in this refreshing, medium-bodied wine. Bright and crisp with a silky mouthfeel, the wine’s fruit flavors are balanced with a touch of minerality on the long, smooth finish.

Vintage Notes

A fairly mild spring and summer with few heat spikes allowed our 2018 harvest to begin right after Labor day, later than previous years. The consistent growing season and cooler temperatures allowed for slow ripening and deep flavor development resulting in exceptional quality fruit with remarkable balance and brightness.

Vineyard Notes

Grapes that produce our Sonoma County Chardonnay come from our estate vineyards in Sonoma Valley and Russian River Valley, as well as from growers in Sonoma County’s other top appellations, including Carneros and Alexander Valley. Each carefully selected vineyard contributes distinctive and individual qualities to the finished wine.

Winemaker Notes

To preserve Chardonnay’s delicate flavors, aromas, and acidity, the grapes are picked at night and in the very early morning hours so the fruit arrives cold at the winery. Grapes are then immediately pressed to the whole cluster and fermented in different lots. The wine undergoes partial malolactic fermentation and is aged for six months in French oak barrels. During aging, bâtonage (stirring the lees by hand) is performed to achieve complexity and a rich mouthfeel.