2022 Robert Mondavi Chardonnay, Napa Valley

Aromas of pear, peach, green apple, jasmine, a hint of maple candy, and floral. Mouthcoating layers of green apple, citrus blossom, and toast. Lush and opulent with a lively acidity, oak, and a long finish.

This classic Napa Valley blend is dominated by fruit from the cooler regions in the southern end of the valley, where bay fog and breezes allow the grapes to ripen at a gradual, flavor-building pace while retaining refreshing, natural acidity. A small amount of fruit from the Wappo Hill vineyard, in the Stag's Leap District, adds just the right touch of opulence to the blend, with other excellent Chardonnay vineyards giving their textures and tastes to the final wine.

The grapes were hand-harvested in the cool of the morning and gently pressed as whole clusters to conserve the vibrant, fruity flavors. All of the juice was fermented in French oak barrels (16% new). Partial malolactic fermentation balanced the lively acidity and added complexity. The wine was aged on its yeast lees (sûr lie) and was hand-stirred regularly (bâtonnage) throughout nine months of aging for seamless integration of flavors and a rich, creamy finish. The wine was bottled in August 2019.