2018 Andover Estate Chardonnay

VINEYARDS

Nestled in the heart of Monterey wine country, Andover Estate is dedicated to sustainably growing grapes and handcrafting balanced, elegant wines that express the essence of the vineyards. The grapes for this Chardonnay are grown on estate vineyards in the cool, rocky Arroyo Seco AVA of Monterey County. Each morning, cold marine air from the Monterey Bay drifts down the valley in a thick fog that burns off by midday. These unique conditions allow the grapes to mature slowly on the vine, leading to intense flavor development, heightened varietal character and lively acidity.
 

WINEMAKING

At the winery, the fruit is carefully sorted, gently whole-cluster pressed, then chilled and lightly settled. The juice is slowly fermented in stainless steel at cool temperatures to preserve the fresh fruit aromatics and crisp, luscious flavors. The wine is aged on new French oak to add lovely notes of vanilla.

TASTING NOTES

This Chardonnay is bright, focused and elegant with aromas of red apple, hints of citrus and pear, and pronounced notes of vanilla and butterscotch. The finish is lush with ripe flavors of white peach, crisp citrus and a hint of creamy, sweet oak.