2020
Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley
Our 2020 Pahlmeyer Chardonnay commands a beautiful balance between richness and tension, depth and focus. Captivating aromas of dried apricot, wild honey, and toast are lifted by notes of gardenia and orange zest. Creamy lemon meringue and ripe nectarine intermingle on the succulent, layered palate, underscored by hazelnut, toasted almond, and a glint of freshly baked brioche. Juicy acidity lends texture and length, culminating with a refreshing Meyer lemon flourish.
100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol
- 14.9%
- Harvested Start Date
- September 1, 2020
- Harvested End Date
- September 23, 2020
- Bottled Date
- December 21, 2021
- Release Date
- March 14, 2022
Winemaking Notes
We picked our Chardonnay from high-elevation vineyards during the cool of the night. Each whole cluster was meticulously hand sorted at the winery before pressing. The juice naturally settled in stainless steel tanks until ready to rack to barrel. Our top lots were racked to new French oak barrels where native fermentation naturally began. After primary fermentation, the lots remained on lees and were stirred up to three times per week through malolactic fermentation to create a rich, luscious texture. The wine then continued to age on lees in 100% new French oak barrels for a total of 12 months and was bottled without fining or filtration.
Aromas of sliced cooked apple, pineapple and praline. Full-bodied with salted caramel. Oily and very rich at the finish. Hints of lime and peach. Wonderful length. 1,600 cases made. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two.
