Chardonnay San Luis Obispo Coast 2022
A dry winter and cool spring delayed bud break and slowed bloom and fruit development. Warmer summer weather, however, prevailed through August, followed by an unexpected heat wave of eight days in early September. Reduced yields, a result of drought conditions over the last two years, combined with the warmer September have produced an expressive vintage featuring ripe, concentrated flavors.
Vineyard
For the 2022 vintage, grapes were sourced from Edna Ranch and Spanish Spring Vineyard. Located west of Edna Ranch, Spanish Springs Vineyard is only two miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and features rolling hills at the bottom of a narrow canyon dominated by sandy loam soils. A few miles inland, blocks from the Poletti Vineyard on Edna Ranch were used for this wine. Planted to the historic Tepusquet clone, the Poletti grapes contribute richness and depth to the wine augmented by the bright acidity and fruitiness of the Spanish Springs grapes.
Winemaking
Grapes for this wine were whole cluster pressed and cold settled for three days before a cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks. A portion of the wine went through malolactic fermentation, combined with lees stirring that imparts richness and complexity. The wine was aged for 9 months in 100% French oak, 80% barriques and 20% puncheons of which 22% were new.
Wine Profile
Nose: Fresh, clean, rich aromas of yellow apple and pear mixed with white flowers, almonds and green grass.
Palate: Bright, youthful flavors of melon, green apple and nectarine are accented by a backbone of minerals and refreshing acidity.