This Chardonnay synthesizes nearly forty years of winemaking in the style of Burgundy’s great whites. Knuttel produced commercial unfiltered Chardonnay (maybe the first in California) at Saintsbury; then, at Chalk Hill Estate, all Chardonnay received the full on treatments utilized in Burgundy, including whole-cluster pressing, barrel fermentation with native yeast in 100% French oak, 100% native malolactic fermentation, sur lees aging with weekly batonage, and extended aging with a significant percentage of new French oak. Starting with Windsor Oak’s meticulously grown fruit, our own practices, complementing those of Windsor Oaks, allow the wine to directly reflect the flavors unique to the vineyard.
Creaminess is the all-pervasive character. The complex aromas subtly weave lemon and ripe green apple with notes of key lime, toast and nutmeg. Layers of crème brûlée, caramel, and stone fruits chime in on the palate, highlighting textbook Russian River Valley structure. Lively acidity graces a full bodied, rich and lingering finish, and augurs excellent aging potential.