2022 Signature Series Chardonnay Scopus Vineyard

The nose is redolent with marzipan, lemon zest, vanilla bean and toasted coconut aromas.  In the mouth, we find notes of river rocks, delicate pastry and Meyer lemon. This Chardonnay is more than happy to sit in the mouth and make itself at home with a broad texture and weight, carefully balanced with enough acidity to maintain tension while still being very mellow.   The finish is exceedingly long and clean, leaving behind the impression of vanilla and citrus for several minutes.

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.

100% whole cluster pressed and cold-settled in a stainless steel tank, then partially transferred into and barrels to undergo alcoholic fermentation.  This wine was 11% concrete fermented and 89% barrel fermented in French Oak at cool temperatures.  Full malo-lactic fermentation.  Aged for 7 months on lees, racked twice.

Pair this wine with a pasta of fettuccine tossed with tiger prawns, lemon-infused olive oil, aged parmesean and chili flakes.  This would also do very well with Chicken Francese.  For those with a sweet tooth, pair this wine with the delicate crunch of pistachio macarons.