2018 Poseidon Vineyard Estate Chardonnay

TASTING NOTES
Bright and clear, with medium intensity aromatics of Bosc pear and Granny Smith apple. The wine is medium-full bodied with Key lime pie with a fresh baked crust, lemon peel, and jasmine flower. The finish is bright, and the fruit is balanced with a fine acidity. Oak is a textural presence, barely present as a highlight note in the nose and mouth.

HISTORY
Poseidon Vineyard, located at the confluence of Carneros Creek and the Napa River, was planted in 1973 by the Molnar Family to the Burgundian varietals: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The maritime environment of the Carneros grape­-growing season delivers cool, foggy mornings followed by warm days that slowly nurture ripening.

VINTAGE
As the impact of the 2011–2017 drought continued to fade, the growing season was characterized by moderate temperatures. Fruit development was gradual, without stress, and uniform. But as harvest got underway, temperatures varied dramatically, creating a nerve-wracking stop-start, wait-versus-race dynamic for the crews and cellar. Attention and experience in the vineyard proved critical during this stretch. While wildfires created havoc in other parts of the state, the Poseidon Vineyard was entirely unaffected. The harvest was one of the most generous and flavorful crops in recent memory.

WINEMAKING
The fruit was pressed whole-cluster in small batches and barrel-fermented in a cold cellar. Malolactic fermentation was long and allowed us to stir the lees for an extended period of time, boosting the smooth, elegant texture. Malolactic fermentation also helps to manage the high natural acidity of the fruit. The spice that results from using 100% Kádár Tokaj oak has made for a rich yet vibrant Chardonnay.

Alex Beloz, Winemaker