2020 Metz Road Chardonnay

VINEYARDS

The Estate Riverview Vineyard is a 340-acre, cold-climate (Region 1), sustainably-farmed, benchland site that overlooks the Salinas River. It is situated on the east side of the Salinas Valley just below the Pinnacles National Park. This property features granitic soils, great exposure and little protection from the strong winds that scrub the valley every afternoon. It is planted to an assortment of varieties, clones and rootstocks specifically matched to the various micro-climates, soils and aspects of the terrain. The namesake Metz Road runs alongside the property.

WINEMAKING

The grapes were hand-picked in the early morning hours, brought to the winery and gently whole-cluster pressed. The juice was chilled and lightly settled, then racked off of the heavy lees to a stainless steel tank. A slow, cool fermentation helped preserve the fresh aromatics and lively texture. Following fermentation, the wine was aged in 100% French oak barrels (42% new).

TASTING NOTES 

The 2020 Metz Road Chardonnay is perhaps the finest to date from the Riverview Vineyard. The nose is complex, forward and pure with hints of stone fruit, grilled almonds and toasted oak. On the palate the wine delivers the perfect mix of flavor, richness and structure.