El Molino Rutherford Chardonnay 2022

(Owners/Winemakers: Lily Oliver Berlin & Clementine Berlin)

WINERY NOTES:

TASTING: “Brilliant straw green, luminous, bright with crystalline clarity. Lifted aromas of orange marmalade, Rangpur lime, quince paste, and lemongrass. Sea air, chalk, aloe and white flowers frame the primary aromas nicely. On the palate, the entry is viscous, dense and powerful with good grip and energy. The midpalate is round, multi-layered and rich. A viscous palate staining texture is complex with flavors that are vibrant and full of energy. The finish is long and persistent. This powerful styled Chardonnay will reward time in your cellar to unfurl and open up. Although it provides rewarding drinking now if your patience is waning.”

VINTAGE & WINEMAKING: “Our Chardonnay grapes were harvested between the 1st of September and the 9th. Sugars ranged between 23.8 and 25.7 Brix. Whole cluster pressed directly to a mix of 50% new and 40% once used Francois Freres French oak cooperage and 10% in one 8-year-old Stockinger Austrian Oak Foudre. Barrel fermented with select Montrachet yeast with malolactic fermentation inhibited. Following fermentation the wine spent 11 months on primary lees before being racked and blended in stainless steel tanks before bottling on the 13th of August. 14 months of bottle age before release. 780 cases produced, 14.8% ABV”