Captivating the senses from the first pour, the 2021 Pahlmeyer Savoir Faire Chardonnay reveals itself in layers, effortlessly balancing power and finesse. The nose entices with ethereal notes of orange blossom and honeysuckle interwoven with the warmth of toasted almonds and brioche. As the aromatics unfold, hints of apricot and flambéed pear emerge, enhanced by a delicate dusting of baking spice. The palate is enveloped in a rich, velvety texture with a melted honey opulence. Bright acidity creates a harmonious counterpoint, interlacing beautifully with nutty oak undertones. A focused core of preserved lemon surges through the finish, elevated by a subtle, lingering whisper of vanilla bean. With its seamless integration of acidity and structure, this Chardonnay promises to age gracefully, while undeniably captivating in its youth. – Winemaker Katie Vogt
Composition
100% Chardonnay
Vineyards
- Pahlmeyer Estate Vineyard,
- Stagecoach
Critics
95-97+ Points
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, May 4, 2023
“Scents of crushed stone, pencil shavings and pineapple…. It’s medium to full-bodied but tightly coiled, citrusy and long on the finish, adding hints of charred mocha and caramel.”
Winemaking
- Winemaker:
- Katie Vogt
- Alcohol:
- 14.7
- Harvested:
- September 9 to September 17, 2021
- Bottled:
- March 22, 2023
- Released:
- October 1, 2023
In the phenomenal 2021 vintage, we were incredibly fortunate to have several standout lots contending for the title of Savoir Faire. Two lots that consistently rose to the top of my notes were Block 34 at Waters Ranch and Block GM5 at Stagecoach. Both blocks are variations of the Old Wente clone and showcase two extraordinary mountain sites. Both vineyards were harvested within a week of each other in mid-September. Although beautiful on their own, when blended together, they became truly spectacular. The Waters Ranch lot possessed a laser focus of acidity and a vibrant
honeysuckle aroma, while the lot from Stagecoach contributed a signature apricot and melted honey character. We cellar-blended the two in May 2022, racking from barrel and incorporating some light, fluffy lees to age on. Two puncheons and one standard barrel, all from François Frères, were aged as a complete blend for an additional year, totaling 18 months on oak. The wine was bottled unfiltered. – Katie Vogt
