2017 Chardonnay ~ Santa Lucia Highlands

A top-notch Chardonnay can be one of life’s great pleasures and the Monterey appellation’s climate, with morning fogs that often linger until midday, allows the intricate fruit flavors to develop while preserving crucial acidity. Our Chardonnay Reserve program was developed to produce a rich wine that showcases the distinctiveness of the Monterey growing region. This hand-harvested, small batch Chardonnay hails from the Santa Lucia Highlands, where the cool climate results in complex, intense wines. Barrel fermentation in small, medium-toast French oak and partial malolactic fermentation bring a richness and depth to the blend, which is elegantly balanced with dramatic tropical fruit flavors. Aromas of yellow apple, pear, and citrus with notes of butterscotch, vanilla and a hint of allspice tie the wine together in a medium body leading into a lingering finish.