2017 - Chardonnay Reserve - Santa Cruz Mountains

This is the first vintage of our Mount Eden clone Chardonnay after the vineyard was replanted. It was fermented in mostly new french oak, and then aged on the lees for nine months in the same barrels. It underwent malolactic fermentation for a rich creamy texture, and was minimally processed before bottling. The result is a rich, golden wine evocative of traditional Burgundian-style Chardonnay, with ripe fruit flavors including melon and apricot, along with a bright lemongrass note. The sur lie aging adds a subtle creaminess, while the French oak lends it a delicate smoothness and the slightest aroma of caramel hard candy. Pistachio-encrusted salmon is our go-to for this wine, though we've been told dried apricots stuffed with goat cheese make a pairing that can't be beaten. This is an intense wine, that we like better a little warmer. We recommend only refrigerating 20 minutes before serving.