2022 Elke Vineyard Chardonnay
Wine Enthusiast's Editor's Choice!
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Tasting Notes
Out of the glass, aromas of lemon meringue, vanilla, and honeysuckle. In companionship to the notable acidity, a ripe apricot, a touch of toasty richness, and a hint of honey elevate this elegant Chardonnay beyond any vintage before!
Vineyard Designation
Elke Vineyard
Vineyard Notes
2022 was the last of three years of draught which was saved by a significant rainfall in April. This rain replenished the soil before a long summer allowing the vines to fully develop their canopy in the spring, followed by a long arduous summer of fruit development. Crop level, which is largely determined in the previous year was still very light. It was a relatively long, cool summer punctuated by a heat spike a couple weeks before harvest which ushered in the ripe fruit.
Winemaker Notes
The grapes were harvested early in the morning and whole bunch pressed into tank. After 48 hours settling the juice was racked into French oak barrels (25% new). The barrels were not inoculated, and three days later wild yeast began to noticeably ferment. After about 15 days the barrels were inoculated with malo-lactic bacteria as the ferments finished. The barrels were topped and stirred biweekly until the new year, then only topped. The wine remained on lees for six months. This wine was filtered to allow aging but not fined.
Ratings
Wine Enthusiast ~ 92 pts, Editor's Choice
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Download Wine Notes
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| Vintage |
2022 |
| Wine Style |
White Wine |
| Varietal |
Chardonnay |
| Varietal Composition |
100%
Chardonnay
|
| Appellation |
Anderson Valley |
| Harvest Date |
September 17th |
| Acid |
7.1g/L |
| PH |
3.8 |
| Barrel Aging |
9 months
75%
neutral oak
25%
new French oak
|
| Bottling Date |
July 18th, 2023 |
| Alcohol % |
12.8 |
| Size |
750 ml |
