GROWING CONDITIONS

Universally regarded as a stellar year, 2018 was the North Coast’s mildest growing season in almost 40 years. The cool spring gave us near perfect fruit set while moderate summer temperatures – without any significant heat spikes – allowed for slow, even ripening that promoted excellent flavor development while retaining natural acidity. The relaxed pace continued through harvest with no weather events forcing our picking decisions. The resulting 2018 wines are stunning, offering wonderful concentration, complexity, finesse and flavors reflecting their unique vineyard sites.

WINEMAKING AND COOPERAGE

The grapes were harvested in the early morning hours and transported immediately to the winery, where they were cold pressed and cold settled overnight before being inoculated at a low rate with select Burgundian yeast. The wine was sur lie aged, underwent malolactic fermentation in the barrel and was aged for a total of 17 months in a mix of new (2/3) and one-year old French oak barrels from the Allier, Vosges, Troncais and Bertranges forests.

TASTING NOTES

Our 2018 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Chardonnay is yet another testament to one of the Petaluma Gap’s most iconic vineyards. Both vibrant and deeply complex, the wine offers notes of Golden Delicious apple, mango, Asian pear and fresh crème. The palate is a harmonious convergence of fruit intensity, mouthfilling richness and buoyant acidity leading to the long, refreshing finish. Enjoy upon release or hold for up to 7 years.