Winemaking notes
Chalone Vineyard experienced a compressed harvest in 2021 that began at the end of August and concluded the first week of October. A cool growing season consisted of only a few hot days with little to no rainfall, which placed stress on the vines; yielding fruit with lower acidity and optimal ripeness.
Viticultural notes
Our Estate Chardonnay is sourced from some of our oldest vineyard sites, including grapes planted in 1972 and an outstanding 1985 planting that was grafted using budwood taken from vines planted in 1946. The age of our vines gives our Chardonnay wines their intense flavors, superior quality, and excellent aging potential. The 2021 Estate Chardonnay hails from the Reservoir, Vista, MacWood, and Strip vineyard sites of Chalone Vineyard. The final wine blend includes a variety of Chardonnay clones: 76, 95, Mt. Eden, and Chalone.
Tasting notes
The 2021 Estate Chardonnay first opens with notes of toasted brioche and Meyer lemon, then unfolds hints of vanilla crème soda and slate rock minerality. These flavors carry through to the palate that offers a broad, luxurious mouthfeel with a buttery oak character balanced by vivid acidity and a lifted, elegant finish.
Also from Chalone
Estate Pinot Noir
Estate Pinot Noir
2021