Presentation
Presentation
The Reserve bottling is a strict selection of our best lots and barrels coming from only mature vines. In 2023, this was blended from 3 blocks that highlight the remarkable depth and mineral intensity of the site. Complex and concentrated, beams of ripe citrus and stone fruits shine, while detailed floral notes and densely coiled structure elevate this to Reserve quality. Despite its inherent power, no tension or freshness is sacrificed. This wine finishes with salty, mineral accents and impressive length.
The vintage
Bountiful winter rains were followed by a very cool spring, which delayed budbreak and subsequently flowering and fruit set by three to four weeks. This cool and foggy weather persisted through much of June and into July leading to uneven set, diminished yields and high variability in ripening. Fortunately, a cool yet sunny summer and fall provided just enough warm weather to sufficiently ripen even the coolest blocks. There were multiple rain events in October, but timely labor to selectively open-up the canopy for better airflow and sun exposure prevented the formation of botrytis and any other forms of rot or mold.
Harvest
Harvest was exceptionally late in 2023 and lasted three weeks from October 4th to October 26th. Harvest began on the upper ridge blocks due to their south exposure and higher elevation. A few warm days in the middle of October pushed the majority of the Chardonnay into the picking window. Without any severe heat waves, berry integrity was excellent and the extended time on the vine allowed for full phenolic maturation at relatively low alcohol levels.
Blend
Chardonnay - Clone Old Wente.
Winemaking
Grapes were whole cluster pressed after which juice was transferred to barrel where fermentation took place with either selected or native yeasts. Malolactic fermentation took place with either selected or native bacteria. There was minimal intervention during ageing with little to no batonnage and the wines stayed on their lees until being racked to tank at bottling.
Ageing
14 months ageing in 60-gallon burgundy barrels (228L).
33% New French Oak, 67% used French Oak.
33% New French Oak, 67% used French Oak.
Specifications
Alcohol content : 14.3 % vol.
Advice
Tasting
This wine shows superb concentration and depth while the texture is noticeably chalky with a compact core of fresh nectarine, mandarin, wild fennel and orange blossom. There’s a saturated, citrus oil component that underlays the diverse array of orchard fruit, lemon peel, lime zest, almond paste, ocean mist and crushed white rocks. The oak contributes weight and breadth on the palate, it’s seamlessly integrated and provides nuance and gravitas. Powerful yet vibrant and energetic, the Reserve bottling has great length and mineral persistence on the finish.
(April 2025)
(April 2025)
Reviews
"Fragrant notes of honey-drizzled pears, Golden Delicious apples, and spice cake languorously drift from the glass of the 2023 Chardonnay Estate Reserve, leading to hints of baker's yeast, sea spray, and chamomile. The medium to full-bodied palate has a fabulously silky texture and incredible tension framing the tightly wound orchard fruit and mineral layers, finishing very long, chalky, and with tantalizing citrus sparks. 878 cases were made."
"The 2023 Chardonnay Estate Reserve is magnificent. Tangerine peel, hazelnut, spice, menthol, baked apple tart and pastry are some of the many nuances that open in the glass. The Reserve offers a captivating mix of vibrancy and textural viscosity. Creamy, resonant contours wrap up the plush close. There’s striking richness and mind-blowing overall balance to match a long finish that reverberates for an eternity. The Reserve is a blend of sections within three blocks on the property planted mostly with variations of older Wente selections that are distinguished by longer hang times. [...] What a wine!"
"Wow. Incredible substance and heart in this spellbinding debut wine. White flowers, flint and pristine fruit on the nose, reminiscent of Ramonet white Burgundy. Full-bodied and so deep, almost endless. It’s solidly balanced, framed with such density but never heavy. A reserve from the best sections of the vineyard. Needs four or five years to come together. Excellent debut vintage. [...]"
