The 2023 growing season produced a truly expressive Summit Chardonnay, marked by an enticing bouquet that unfolds in layers. Vibrant tropical fruit and golden yellow plum mingle with the rich sweetness of orange marmalade, while delicate notes of jasmine and honeysuckle add an elegant floral lift. Subtle hints of toasted hazelnut bring warmth and depth, creating an inviting aromatic complexity. On the palate, these flavors return with impressive clarity and intensity, framed by a rich, gently creamy texture. Bright, well-integrated acidity provides balance and energy, carrying the wine through a focused, lingering finish. The result is a Chardonnay that beautifully combines richness and freshness, with layered fruit, floral nuance, and a refined sense of harmony.
150 cases produced
Near the summit of our estate vineyard is our prized Block Five. Planted to the pleasantly aromatic Chardonnay clone 809, this North-facing block features red volcanic soils that contribute to tiny clusters and low yields. Made from a core of clone 809 grapes, our Summit Chardonnay captures the essence of this block.
The clone 809 which is 66% of the blend along with the balance of Block Two Upper Barn clone fruit, was pressed whole cluster and then settled for 24 hours in a stainless-steel tank before racking to barrel. The barrels used for fermentation and aging included 50% neutral French oak and 50% French acacia, which was selected to underscore the intense aromatics of the clone 809, without imparting significant tannins. Indigenous yeasts performed the primary fermentation, and the wine underwent 75% spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Our Summit Chardonnay was aged for 9 months on fine fermentation lees.
