by Andrew Chalk
Chamisal Vineyards is a major exponent of unoaked chardonnay and has become a reliable source of this style. This example is sourced from vineyards as far north as Gonzales in the Salinas Valley down to the estate vineyard in Edna Valley. All are maritime influenced and Edna Valley is the coolest AVA in California. A cool year meant that harvest did not start until just before Labor Day.
Harvest was at night and pressing took place in early morning, leading to a long-cool fermentation using cultured yeasts.
Appearance: Pale old;
Nose: Lemon, creamy, apple;
Palate: Crisp, tart apple notes. Medium plus acidity. Some softness due to partial malolactic fermentation.
Sample
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