2023 Lady of the Sunshine Chene Vineyards Chardonnay, Edna Valley, USA

Winemaker Notes
This vintage is a composite blend of the steepest hillside blocks that sit on Monterey formation rock bed. This site is naturally devigored and makes for concentrated, small clusters that achieve stem lignification early on. The grapes were fermented with 100% whole-cluster with light extraction during fermentation. The wine was pressed in the winery's wooden basket press at dryness and aged for 10 months in neutral french oak barrels before being racked for the first time to bottle, unfined and unfiltered, with minimal sulfur used.

Press
Rated 92 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2023 Chardonnay Chene Vineyard leads with an understated, elegant nose of yellow orchard fruit, citrus blossoms and wet chalk. The palate balances juicy, refreshing citrus and orchard fruit flavors with touches of gentle breadth. The finish is crisp and delicate, with refreshing acidity and accents of lees-driven textural richness. This is primed for early consumption but should develop additional complexity after a few years in bottle.