2021 Noble Vines 446 Chardonnay
2021 Noble Vines 446 Chardonnay
Description
Tasting NotesAromas and flavors of pineapple, white peach, ripe bartlett pear and marshmallow. Creamy mid-palate, slightl minerality with a long finish.
Beyond the Numbers
Chardonnay vine selection 4 has been widely planted in California for many decades. It is an expressive vine type, offering a wide range of Chardonnay flavors including the typical green apple and citrus, but also tropical fruit such as pineapple, coconut and mango that distinguishes California's vine type 4 from the Chardonnay variations grown in France.
With cooling afternoon breezes, evening fog and a long growing season, Monterey is perfect for growing excellent Chardonnay grapes. Clone 4 does especially well in Block 46 at our vineyards in the San Bernabe sub-appellation of Monterey, one of the coolest growing regions in California. Hence, the designation "446" on the Noble Vines label. The grapes are crushed at the winery that was built right in the vineyard. Building a winery so close to the grapes underscores Noble Vines' commitment to preserve the superior qualities produced by its excellent vine stock.
Winemaker
Winemaker James Ewart says one of the best ways to preserve Clone 4's balance of acidity and luscious tropical fruit is to get it to the winery quickly. "This is a San Bernabe wine, and the winery is right here," he explains. "I can pick on the riper side, knowing I’ll be able to bring it in to the winery quickly while it’s still cool." Once the grapes arrive, they are gently pressed and Ewart transfers the juice into stainless steel or oak barrels, depending on each lot's acidity level. After fermentation, half of the lots undergo malolactic fermentation with bi-monthly stirring of the yeast lees for added body and complexity.
| Vintage | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Wine Style | White Wine |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Appellation | San Bernabe |
| Size | 750 ml |