Chardonnay Reserve Napa Valley 2021

The Vintage

Late winter rains followed by ideal spring growing conditions set the stage for the 2021 vintage. Mild temperatures punctuated this drought year with only a few heat spikes during the summer months. Early flavor development in our white grapes, coupled with higher acidity levels, allowed us to begin harvest at the end of August with grapes showing exceptional balance and moderate brix levels. The ideal weather of 2021 and overall lower yields produced wines that offer exciting, complex aromatics and flavors.

About the Wine

The pinnacle of Alpha Omega’s Chardonnay program, our Chardonnay Reserve undergoes the same meticulous and painstaking selection process that produces our flagship red wine, ERA. Each vintage, our winemakers taste every lot of Chardonnay from our collection of exceptional Chardonnay vineyards multiple times, evaluating the nuances of each barrel, looking for those few barrels that define the vintage. Guided by experience and the unique characteristics of the vintage, each year becomes a quest for greatness in creating this wine.

Winemaking

Our winemakers barrel fermented this Chardonnay in 100% French oak, 50% new and 50% one-year-old puncheons. 75% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation before being aged for 18 months “sur lies fines” in 50% new and 50% one-year-old French oak puncheons.

Tasting Notes

Sight: Brilliant yellow
Nose: Refined, rich aromas of apricot, melon and apple tart are mixed with notes of citrus blossom, heavy cream, toast, savory olive and dusty earth.
Palate: Expansive, deep, mouth coating flavors of lemon curd, pineapple cake, mango, vanilla parfait, pie crust and fried plantain culminate in a long, vibrant finish.