2018 Chardonnay, Wild Oak Vineyard, Sonoma Valley • St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

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2018

Chardonnay

Wild Oak Vineyard

Sonoma Valley

Tasting Notes

This medium to full-bodied white opens with aromatics of fresh-cut pineapple and lime. A faint hint of nutmeg teases the nose at the start. A supple mouthfeel, adorned with hints of honeydew and hazelnut creme, is wrapped in juicy acidity with bright honeysuckle undertones lingering in the finish.

Vintage Notes

2018 provided an ideal climate allowing time for the grapes to ripen to their optimum flavor structure. The year presented a fairly mild growing season with few heat spikes, inspiring winemakers to push harvest back a few weeks. This longer time on the vine was great for grapes and the mild temperatures kept the fruit from over-ripening. More than an inch of rain fell in early October in many locations, but there was little impact on the quality of the fruit. 2018 could be remembered as one of the longest and most desirable seasons in years, producing exceptional quality grapes throughout Sonoma County.

Vineyard Notes

Our Estate Wild Oak vineyard was planted to four different chardonnay clones in order to offer a variety of complexity through aromas & textures. For this vintage, 64% is clone 76 which produces a spicer more mineral-driven Chardonnay, and 36% clone 95 which adds the richness in the mouthfeel and a touch of tropical notes.

Winemaker Notes

Each clone is picked & fermented separately in barrel. Hand stirring occurs twice per week after 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