2010 Chardonnay
Chappellet’s Napa Valley Chardonnay is produced from fruit grown in the coolest regions of Napa Valley. Overlooking the San Pablo Bay, Kelly Ranch receives the benefits of the Bay’s marine influences, creating optimal growing conditions for Chardonnay. Shallow soils composed of clay and gravel support low vigor vines with yields of approximately 3 tons per acre. This wine was aged on its lees for eight months in one‐third new French oak barrels. For added texture and viscosity, a significant portion of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation.
| Vintage: | 2010 |
| Wine Type: | White Wine |
| Varietal Composition: | |
| 100% | Chardonnay |
| Harvest Date: | September 27 - October 8, 2010 |
| Acid: | TA - 0.61g/100ml |
| PH: | 3.59 |
| Barrel Aging: | |
| 8 months | |
| 100% | French |
| Ageability: | 4-8 Years |
| Fermentation: | Barrel |
| Bottling Date: | July 8, 2011 |
| Alcohol %: | 14.9 |
The nose is brimming with floral and tropical notes including ripe pineapple, guava and lemon zest. Hints of brown sugar and nutmeg spice from the barrel aging add complexity to the fruit. On the palate, this wine is toned and vibrant, with flavors of tropical fruit, alongside layers of quince and nectarine. French oak and creaminess from the malolactic fermentation contribute nuances of vanilla bean and crème brulée, with crisp acidity adding structure and length throughout.
Though 2010 was one of the coldest years in the history of Chappellet, our experience from four decades of farming in Napa Valley paid great dividends. We aggressively thinned early in the season, doing as many as two to three fruit drops in all parts of the vineyard. Judicious canopy management combined with our ideal north-south row orientations allowed us to avoid burning during a significant August heat event. The weather in October was perfect, and though the harvest was compact, everything came in before the rains, with the grapes showing exceptional color and richness, good acidity and excellent flavor development.
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