2022 / Acclivity Chardonnay
THE VINEYARD
Our Chardonnay vineyard is nestled in the heart of Alexander Valley, just a stone’s throw from the Russian River. The alluvial soils encourage the vines to extend their roots deeply in search of water and nutrients, fostering a natural resilience that enhances the varietal character and preserves its vibrant acidity. The region’s warm days and cool nights create the perfect conditions for the vineyard to flourish, resulting in wines of exceptional quality and world-class distinction.
NOTES FROM THE WINEMAKER
A mix of challenges and favorable conditions marked the 2023 vintage in Alexander Valley. Early in the year, the region saw a wet winter, which helped replenish water reserves and contribute to healthy vine growth. However, spring brought cooler temperatures, delaying budbreak and flowering, resulting in a later than expected harvest. The summer months were relatively moderate, with warm temperatures and no extreme heat spikes, allowing for gradual ripening. By fall, the region experienced ideal conditions for harvest—mild temperatures with some temperature variation between day and night, promoting balanced sugar levels and acidity in the grapes. Overall, 2023 is showing high-quality with concentrated flavors, though yields were slightly reduced due to the earlier cooler weather.
The 2023 Acclivity Chardonnay offers a vibrant bouquet of ripe Asian pear, honeysuckle, white chrysanthemum, and jasmine, accented by hints of Christmas spice and mandarin zest. The palate reveals flavors of candied kumquats and crème brûlée, balanced by a mineral-driven core of crushed rock and crystalline acid, with a subtle oak framing adding complexity and depth.
Harvest Dates / September 20, 2023
Appellation / Alexander Valley|Sonoma County
Varietal Content / 100% Chardonnay
Cooperage / Eric Millard
Barrel Aging / 11 Months |25% New French Oak
Alcohol / 13.6%
Cases Produced / 90
Soil Composition / Alluvial Clay Loam
SHIPPING INFO
For orders outside of California, please contact us before purchasing.
All orders will be shipped on Monday for delivery before the weekend. Wine will be shipped with ice packs during warm months to ensure proper temperature during transit.THE VINEYARD
Our Chardonnay vineyard is nestled in the heart of Alexander Valley, just a stone’s throw from the Russian River. The alluvial soils encourage the vines to extend their roots deeply in search of water and nutrients, fostering a natural resilience that enhances the varietal character and preserves its vibrant acidity. The region’s warm days and cool nights create the perfect conditions for the vineyard to flourish, resulting in wines of exceptional quality and world-class distinction.
NOTES
FROM THE WINEMAKER
The 2022 growing season in Alexander Valley began with a welcome wet spring, which promoted healthy vine growth and set the stage for a strong vintage. However, frost and a smaller fruit set led to reduced yields, but the mostly mild summer allowed for even ripening and excellent flavor development. The Chardonnay was aged on its lees for 11 months, with malolactic fermentation limited to 50% to maintain its fresh, vibrant character.
The 2022 Acclivity Chardonnay is an aromatic delight for your senses, expressing tangerine blossoms, dried apricots tossed with Meyer lemon zest, Bosc pear and crushed rock in a cool rain. Vibrant acidity and subtle spices accompany sweet honeysuckle and candied ginger with a distant hint of lemon verbena, cardamom and Maldon salt, culminating in a long supple finish.
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Harvest Dates
August 29, 2022
Appellation
Alexander Valley,
Sonoma County
Varietal Content
100% Chardonnay
Cooperage
Eric Millard
Barrel Aging
11 Months
33% New French Oak
Alcohol
13.8%
Cases Produced
80
Soil Composition
Alluvial Clay Loam
SHIPPING INFO
For orders outside of California, please contact us before purchasing.
All orders will be shipped on Monday for delivery before the weekend. Wine will be shipped with ice packs during warm months to ensure proper temperature during transit.