2023 Chardonnay

DESCRIPTION

Chardonnay is rich with notes of tropical fruit, toasted vanilla, with creamy French Oak aging and fermentation.

WINEMAKING NOTES

Chardonnay is barrel fermented and aged for 10 months in French Oak.

VINEYARD NOTES

Chardonnay is from Carter Estate Vineyard. This 62-acre vineyard is located in the Temecula Valley. Early morning influence of the Pacific Ocean flows through the coastal mountain range, spilling cool morning clouds and marine layer over the valley. This cooling influence allows the grapes to retain their acid as the clouds burn off, making way for the warm summer sun that allows the ripening process to continue. These are ideal conditions for making crisp white wines and well-structured sparkling wines. Vines are VSP trained; a trellising technique that allows for optimum sun exposure. This vineyard has soils of loam, sandy loam and decomposed granite which are good for grapevine growth with its mixture of sand, silt and clay. It can drain effectively but also keeps nutrients and water available for the vines. A cover crop of pea, barley, bean and vetch is planted between the rows in the winter months to keep our soils healthy, retain water and suppress weeds.