Rich and racy, this Chardonnay unfolds with heady aromas of pear, apricot, kiwi, and apple that lead to layers of tropical and citrus fruit flavors on the palate. A firm acidic backbone provides lively structure, while the natural sweetness from aging sur lies enriches the texture and mouth feel. Spicy aromatic notes of cardamom and cumin hint at a deeper complexity as the wine develops and lingers through a long, satisfying finish.
A dry winter in 2009 was alleviated by unexpected and welcome rains in early spring. Bud break was about two weeks later than usual and Napa Valley experienced no major frost damage. Dry weather in late spring facilitated flowering, and cool temperatures during fruit set regulated the crop size to average. A cool to moderate summer with few heat spikes slowed the pace of cluster maturity and nurtured exceptional fruit flavor and acidity. The grapes for this Chardonnay were harvested by hand in September.