2009 Bouchaine Estate Chardonnay, Napa Valley ~ Carneros  

For anyone searching beyond overly-oaked Chardonnays, this one will surely delight and satisfy!

This wine comes from vines dating to Bouchaine’s original plantings in 1981, growing on our windswept Napa Valley Carneros hillsides. It's a true expression of Chardonnay—bright, citrusy flavors graced with only the merest hint of oak. Shows classic Carneros lime and grapefruit styling. A hint of vanilla graces the mid-palate. Its fruit flavors, bright acidity, notable texture (a hallmark characteristic of Carneros Chardonnay), and relentless finish harmonize in an elegant, stylish wine. Straw gold in color, it dances in the glass like sunlight.

The wine is a blend of the following Chardonnay clones: UCD 4 which provides structure, acidity, and citrus flavors; Dijon 76 and 96 which add essential oils and flavor complexity; and a heritage muscat clone to introduce floral and perfumed aromatics. Fermentation consisted of 70% in oak barrels and 30% in stainless steel. Its liveliness comes from the judicious use of new barrels balanced with an array ranging from 1 year old to 4 years of varying toast levels. 50% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation for additional texture.

  $30.00