2021 Clone Seventeen Estate Chardonnay
95 Points Somm Journal
In Stock
Appellation
Alexander Valley
Varietal
100% Chardonnay
Oak aging
100% French oak, steam and water bent, 35% new oak
Bottled
9-2-21 to 9-17-21
Alcohol %
14
Tasting Notes
Our Clone 17 Chardonnay is aged in steam bent versus toasted French barrels to allow the fruit to shine through. The 2021 vintage has aromas and flavors of golden delicious apples, Asian pear, nectarine & mango with a hint of creamed honey, baking spices & vanilla. Medium bodied with crisp acids that create an elegant, long-lasting finish. Wonderful on its own and pairs beautifully with scallops or halibut, chicken, roasted vegetables, creamy pastas, or an apple pie.
Production Notes
23 barrels
Winemaker Notes
We handpicked our Chardonnay early in the morning and the whole clusters were delivered to our bladder press for gentle pressing. The juice was moved to a stainless-steel tank for settling and then racked to barrels where primary fermentation was initiated. During secondary fermentation, we allowed the wine to reach 80% Malic acid conversion providing the balance and richness that are hallmarks of our Chardonnays. We kept 20% of our native Malic acid to preserve acidity and some “crispness” in the finish. As with our Alexander Valley Chardonnay, the wine is aged sur lie in 100% French oak, however, we selected steam bent versus toasted barrels for the Clone 17. This lends oak characteristics, such as viscosity and palate weight to the wine but allows the fruit to shine through more than the toasted oak barrels. While aging, the barrels were periodically stirred to develop a creamy texture and exotic flavors. After 18 months, the wine was racked from barrels to tanks for the final blend assemblage.
- Matt Michael, Winemaker