Napa Cellars Chardonnay 2018
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Wine Specs
Vintage
2018
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Napa Valley
Harvest Date
September 1 – October 24, 2018
Acid
T.A.: 0.49 g / 100ml
pH
3.55
Aging
8 months, 26% new oak (100% French)
Alcohol %
13.9
Wine Enthusiast
90
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
The Napa Cellars 2018 Chardonnay displays classic Napa Valley Chardonnay characteristics
indicative of this region. Aromas of fresh Fuji apple, lemon curd, guava, white peach and
crème fraîche with light toasted graham cracker pie crust excite the senses. A soft mouthfeel
supports flavors of guava, pineapple, Braeburn apple and Bosc pear that leads into a long
finish of mild toasted oak and creme brûlée. Balanced, persistent acidity with an nice oily
texture and a dry finish pulls together this well balanced, full-bodied Chardonnay. This is
the perfect wine to pair with a Camembert French cheese plate drizzled with local honey
and almond halves, or with panna cotta topped with fresh berries for dessert.
Awards
93 Points: "Quite deep Lemon yellow... Delicate nose, some nuts, apple skin... Palate more open, butter, butterscotch, baked apple, some pear, and fresh, dry finish. Good, persistent. Layered. Touch of evolution." -The Drinks Business –Patrick Schmitt MW, David Round MW, Patricia Stefanowicz MW
Vineyard Notes
Grapes for the 2018 Napa Cellars Chardonnay were selected from vineyards in renowned
Chardonnay locations including south Napa Valley, Oak Knoll and Carneros. The
proximity of these vineyards to the fog and breeze from San Francisco and Marin Bay
creates a cooler climate, which is ideal for growing Chardonnay. These coastal effects
also allow for a longer growing season, giving the fruit more time on the vine and
helping produce energetic acidity and flavorful fruit.
Production Notes
At Napa Cellars, the Chardonnay grapes are carefully hand-picked, harvested and
crushed. Fermented and aged in 100% French oak barrels, 26% of which were new, this
wine completes 97% malolactic fermentation and undergoes lees stirring for five months.
Winemaker Notes
The 2018 growing season offered superlative growing conditions with abundant rain at
the beginning of the year. Plenty of sunshine and moderate temperatures throughout the
spring and summer led up to a harvest with great crop quality.
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