Amourette Chardonnay 2022

There is one glorious white grape here - 100% Chardonnay. An example of single-varietal (Chardonnay Clone 76) from our Estate Amourette vineyard.

The Amourette vineyard has been managed for over thirty years specifically to grow a smaller crop but of high quality fruit with a focus solely on the production of a Chardonnay unlike any other.

Pale straw color and a delicate very slight citrus aroma. In the mouth crisp apple and pear followed by a soft, ever so slight, butterscotch finish.

An impeccable, balanced wine with just enough acidity and body to evoke power, while not erring on the side of being too heavy.

Growing conditions in 2022 required careful vineyard irrigation and canopy management. The lack of adequate winter rain together with frost in late April contributed to a lower-than-normal projected yield. Minimal rainfall and high temperatures in early summer allowed for the fruit that successfully set in the spring to ripen quickly, and the dry conditions diminished any risk of rot.

Up to August moderate daytime temperatures and cool nights created excellent conditions for ripening and usually our California grape harvest starts in August extending through October.

The 2022 harvest was fast-tracked by a heat wave which came as a bit of a surprise however the white varieties and Pinot are showing excellent chemistries in the winery and getting grapes in a little early protects them from any further hot weather and the risk of wildfires.

This wine was barrel fermented in the traditional Burgundian method using just the right amount of new French Oak - not too much - just perfect and then malolactic fermentation, by design, interrupted about half way through.

French oak for 12 months - 33% new, 33% one use, balance neutral.

Only 150 cases produced.

Color	White
Vintage	2022
Harvest Date	20th Aug 2022
Vintage	24.9°
Style	White Burgundy
Appellation	Dry Creek Valley
Varietal	Chardonnay
Date Bottled	21st Aug 2023
Drinkable	2024-2030
Alcohol	14.10%
Bottle Size	750ml