Stringer Cellars 2022 Chardonnay, Hyde Vineyard, Los Carneros, Napa Valley

Tasting Notes:

The 2022 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay presents a captivating bouquet reminiscent of blooming gardenias, with delicate undertones of almond blossom and a hint of matchstick. Upon the first sip, the refreshing palate reveals a delightful fusion of Asian pear and Meyer lemon, intertwined with subtle nuances of limestone minerality and the zesty freshness of kaffir lime. This wine dances on the tongue with an enticing interplay of flavors, offering notes of orange zest and a whisper of fresh hay. Balanced by mouthwatering acidity, it exudes a lively tension that invites another sip. While already approachable, further aging promises enhanced oak integration, ensuring a rewarding drinking experience for years to come.

Vineyard:

Producing some of the most coveted grapes in Napa Valley, Hyde Vineyard has gained distinction for its single vineyard wines. Hyde Vineyard is blessed with shallow loamy soils  that work in conjunction with the cool Carneros climate and the gentle winds to create moderate stress within the vines. The temperature moderating winds off the Pacific Ocean, which are channeled through the Petaluma Gap, are key in allowing for prolonged growing seasons. This extended growing season is vital to the completion of phenolic maturation, bringing both intensity and balance to the wines.

Winemaking:

The handpicked fruit was crushed before being gently pressed, cold settled overnight and then transferred to a combination of new and used 225L barrels and 500L French oak puncheons. The wine underwent native fermentation and finished primary  just before Thanksgiving 2022 and Malolactic shortly after. The wine was aged on its lees without stirring for 12 months and then transferred to a stainless tank for an additional 4 months of aging for better oak integration before bottling.