2023 Chardonnay Harmony Drops

The fruit races to the nose from this lovely pale gold Chardonnay. Notes of yellow orchard apples and sweet grilled pineapple make way for key lime aromas. The mouth is complex with a fruit acidity evolving into creamy minerality. Hints of buttery pastry dough and vanilla linger through the long clean finish.

Nestled high in the Sonoma Mountain AVA, overlooking the historic Valley of the Moon, sits Scopus Vineyard. There are 12 acres planted entirely with Chardonnay. Rocky volcanic soils mixed with clay encourage deep root development and ensure low yields of intensely concentrated, yet balanced, fruit. Favored by a northeastern exposure protecting the vines from the warm afternoon sun, our Scopus Chardonnays are usually distinguished by vivacious acidity and mineral notes. This vintage was a bit of an exception due to the warm weather and native yeast.

The grapes for this wine were pressed onsite at the vineyard. The juice was barrel fermented very slowly using native yeast and cool temperatures in a mix of gently used French oak barrels. It was then aged in those same barrels for 12 months before transferring to stainless steel to give the wine a brief rest prior to bottling.

This wine does very well with summer seafoods such as sauteed butter scallops, a breaded halibut, or cod. Its bright acidity highlights the richness and textures of a great fry. Plant-based pairings can also achieve the same; such as fried artichokes with herbed aioli or a creamy vegetable risotto topped with crispy onions. This wine also shines next to a key lime pie or soft bloomy goat cheeses.