Blanc de Blanc Brut Sparkling

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.

For over 50 years, we have sold grapes from this site to the most celebrated sparkling wine houses in Napa Valley. In select vintages, we keep a couple of rows of chardonnay to make our own tiny bottling of traditional sparkling.

WINEMAKING
Made in the Traditional Method from 100% Estate Grown Chardonnay, the fruit was pressed whole-cluster and slowly barrel-fermented in a cold cellar using Kádár Hungarian oak barrels (40% new, 60% neutral). The spice that results from using 100% Kádár Tokaj oak has made for a rich yet vibrant Chardonnay.Malolactic fermentation was stopped in order to retain and highlight the natural acidity Poseidon’s Vineyard allows with its cool climate. The base wine was bottled in the spring of 2022 and aged on its lees in bottle until disgorging in the summer of 2024 with a dosage of 6.25 g/l.

TASTING NOTES
Bright and clear, with aromas of honeydew melon, lychee fruit and granny smith apple when cold, then slowly start to unwind as the sparkling opens to reveal orange peel and crème brûlée accents. The wine is medium-full bodied with flavors reminiscent of key lime pie with a fresh-baked crust, lemon peel, and jasmine flower on the palate. 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 but bringing a vanilla bean and spice character hidden just out of reach.

Casey Graybehl, Winemaker