Chamisal Vineyards Monterey County Chardonnay 2019
Chamisal Monterey County Chardonnay is a beautiful example of Monterey County.
Grape Varietals & Region: 100% Chardonnay. The grapes come from the Mistral Vineyard just north of San Lucas where the Salinas Valley narrows and the winds are at their most extreme. The Monterey bay winds funnel through this site, where the vineyard sits on a southwest facing bench. The ample ripeness and maritime influence of this vineyard make this wine a classic representation of the appellation.
Taste Profile: Full whiff of toasted oak and crème brûlée on the nose. Fruit-driven and full-bodied on the palate with a bright acidity and broad texture. Meyer lemon juice, baked apple and ripe pineapple with layers of rich creaminess and a hint of buttered popcorn. Closes with a clean and acidic finish.
Winemaking Process: Vinification using traditional Burgundian winemaking techniques. This includes whole cluster pressing, barrel fermentations, batonnage, native yeast, and malolactic fermentation. The wine matures for 10 months in 40% new French oak. They utilise press cuts to fine-tune quality and vinify in many small lots, allowing them to assemble the Monterey Chardonnay with a focus on quality and richness.