From Block 2A, a 2ha special plot for silhouettes within the Stanley Ranch (15ha) estate in Carneros. Hand-picked at night to maintain acidity. Aged 19 months in French barrels (50% new barrels) with natural yeast. Attractive aromas of hazelnuts, orange blossoms, and jasmine. Complex flavors of lemon custard, dried pineapple, marzipan, and fragrant oak on the palate. Elegant, deep acidity supports the weight and natural sweetness of the wine, and the finish is long, spreading the traditional minerality of Stanley Ranch Estate. Enjoyable now, but has the potential to age for more than 10 years.
Vintage Information
Overall, the 2020 growing season has been excellent.
After a relatively dry winter, bud break began early and the weather was mild throughout the spring and summer.
This allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in pure, lively flavours and a supple, full-bodied texture.
Hot weather in mid-August helped the white wine grapes to ripen, resulting in an excellent white wine harvest that began in early August.
Technical information
Harvest: From Block 2A, a special 2ha plot dedicated to Silhouette, within Stanley Ranch (15ha), the winery's own vineyard in Carneros.
Hand-harvested at night to preserve lively acidity.
Winemaking and aging: Whole bunch pressed.
The juice is allowed to settle in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and then racked the next day in French oak barrels.
Wild yeast fermentation, spontaneous barrel fermentation, gentle batonnage, natural MLF and traditional Burgundy methods.
Aged 18 months in French barrels (50% new). Bottled after one racking.
Tasting Comments
Aromatic and attractive.
It opens with notes of hazelnut, orange blossom and jasmine.
The broad yet focused palate features complex layers of flavours including lemon custard, dried pineapple, marzipan and toasty oak.
Elegant, deep acidity supports the wine's weight and natural sweetness.
The finish is long, with the minerality that is traditional to Stanley Ranch Estate.
It can be enjoyed now and has the potential to age for 10 years or more.
Vintage: 2020
Capacity: 750ml
Type: White wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Chardonnay
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Nested AVAs, Others: Carneros
Vineyard: Stanly Ranch Estate
Winemaker: Andrew Wright
Vinification: Fermented with natural yeast in French barrels
Aging: 18 months in French barrels (50% new)
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.5%