A blend of grapes from Coombsville and Mount Veeder, which are cool due to the influence of the fog and cold winds from San Pablo Bay. Fermented in new French barrels (aged with batonnage (stirring the lees) for 6 months), malolactic fermentation is completed in early summer the following year, and then aged for another 6 months in French barrels that have been used for several years. (12 months of barrel aging) The refreshing aroma of pears and green apples is mixed with nuances of tropical fruits and honey. It has a creamy mouthfeel, is rich enough but not too heavy, and has beautiful acidity and flavors of white peach, nectarine, and lychee.
What are the elements required for a Napa Valley-style Chardonnay?
Of course it depends on the price, but so what?
Golden color, rich fruit flavor, oily nuances, clean, smooth acidity, oak nuances that blend in as toasty flavors and spices, goes well with shellfish, etc.
Napa Highlands Chardonnay is made through close collaboration with Napa Valley grape growers using grapes from the cooler regions of the valley to create a Napa Valley Chardonnay that is true to its character.
The best vineyards are selected for each vintage, and the wines are vinified and blended separately.
Vintage Information
In 2022, the grapes harvested before the extremely hot weather in mid-September had perfect acidity and freshness, while the grapes harvested after that had a great structure, deep color, and luxurious fruitiness and power. The harvest took place on September 11th, making it ideal for white wine.
Technical information
Brewing and aging: The wine is gently pressed with the stems still attached, then left to settle in stainless steel tanks for two days before fermenting in French barrels (6 months of batonnage - stirring the lees to create a rich, complex flavor), and malolactic fermentation is 100% complete.
Bottled after resting in stainless steel tanks. (10 months barrel aging, 50% new light to medium toasted French oak)
Tasting Comments
The color ranges from straw yellow to golden, and it has a refreshing aroma of citrus and green apples, tropical fruits (melon, mango) and a rich thickness and honey nuances from the French casks.
It has a creamy mouthfeel, is not too heavy, has fresh and clean acidity, and has flavors of white peach, nectarine, and lychee.
It goes well with Caesar salad, sautéed or creamed scallops, and shellfish.
Field Information
Cold ocean currents in San Pablo Bay, where San Francisco is located, create cold fog from evening to morning, which moves north through Napa Valley.
Because of this fog, the southern side closer to the bay stays cooler from night to morning, helping to maintain acidity, and receives plenty of sunlight during the warm days.
For this reason, to produce a superior Chardonnay, it is essential to obtain grapes in the southern part of Napa Valley.
The 2022 vintage will focus on Coombsville and Mount Veeder. Coombsville is a cool area east of Napa City, with rolling hills, and is sourced from fields that are also used by famous producers. Coombsville produces many excellent Chardonnays, and the famous Kongsgaard's The Judge is also based in Coombsville.
Coombsville is affected by the cold winds and fog from the San Pablo Bay, but because it is not directly exposed to the winds like Carneros, the mornings are filled with a quiet cold fog, the daytime temperatures are not too hot and the sunshine is bright, and at night a cool breeze gently blows in. The soil is well-drained and volcanic, a mixture of volcanic ash and gravelly sedimentary soil.
Mount Veeder is a mountain AVA where the Mayacamas Mountains on the west side of Napa gradually increase in altitude, but because it is located in the south, it is influenced by cool breezes and the acidity remains beautiful. The well-drained volcanic soil allows the grapes to ripen slowly while maintaining beautiful acidity as the altitude increases, resulting in a concentrated fruit. The unique climate and soil of both allow the grapes to ripen slowly while maintaining beautiful acidity, and the tropical fruit flavor unique to Napa Valley Chardonnay is expressed softly, with a rich mouthfeel and an exquisite balance of oak nuances, impressive complex aromas, and a satisfying finish.
Vintage: 2022
Capacity: 750ml
Type: White wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Chardonnay
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Vineyard: 2022 will be mainly Coombsville & Mount Veeder
Winemaking: Fermentation and aging in French barrels (total 16 months, 50% new barrels), 100% malolactic fermentation completed
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.5%
JAN: 86754600987