Walter Hansel Cahill Lane Chardonnay 2019

Walter Hansel Cahill Lane Chardonnay is a top flight Russian River Chardonnay.  Luminous yellow-gold colour. Aromas of yellow apple, pear, white peach, lime peel, fresh cream, raw hazelnuts and white flowers. The aromas follow through beautifully to the palate. Nearly full-bodied and with a lush texture and crisp acidity, the wine's considerable palate is something to be reckoned with.

100% Chardonnay. The fruit comes form Cahill Lane vineyard, which comprises entirely of "Wente Clone" Chardonnay rooted in clay soils mixed with sandy Goldridge loam. The vineyard is located in the Russian River Valley in California and is sustainably farmed. This is usually the last block to be harvested so it derives much of its richness from an extended hang time. 

Hand harvest and manually sort; once in the vineyard and once in the winery. Whole-cluster pressing into French oak for fermentation. The primary fermentation lasts 2-3 weeks and the malolactic fermentation can last until early spring of the next year. After fermentation, the wine ages in 30% New French oak barrels.

Ageing potential: Drink now or keep until 2027.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

 - 95 POINTS

 The 2019 Chardonnay Cahill Lane Vineyard is a magical wine. Bright and fresh, but with the natural richness of the Wente clone, the Cahill Lane dazzles right out of the gate. Light tropical accents, tangerine peel, spice, passionfruit and white flowers add an exotic flair, and yet the 2019 retains so much energy along with a sense of precision that is remarkable.

  - 94 POINTS