2022 ARCADIA Chardonnay
ABOUT ARCADIA
For the Roman poet Virgil, ARCADIA was celebrated as a place of pastoral simplicity, where inhabitants lived in close harmony with nature. Purchased in 1996 and named ARCADIA VINEYARD for its bucolic setting, this 128-acre parcel is located in the new Coombsville AVA in southern Napa Valley, at the foot of Mt. George. This vineyard produces Chardonnay in a style similar to classic Burgundian Chablis. From the first release with the 1998 vintage, this single-vineyard wine has become recognized for its alluring perfume, delicate fruit, vibrant minerality, and understated oak.
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
Located on a strand of gently rolling hills, ARCADIA VINEYARD has gravelly silt loam soils that were formed in part from an inland lake that existed over 125,000 years ago. The vineyard has a cool climate and clonal diversity. This wine is 100% Chardonnay, and it was fermented and aged 25% in neutral French oak, 25% new French oak, 25% in concrete egg, and 25% stainless steel. 30% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged sur lies for 11 months with 41% new French oak.
VINTAGE
The 2022 vintage was the third year in a row of drought. Following the 2021 harvest, we received a record rainfall of 11.20 inches at the end of October, resulting in saturated soil profiles. Unfortunately, the rest of the winter was remarkably dry. We began the 2022 season with early mowing and tillage to conserve as much soil moisture as possible. There was an unusual hail/rainstorm at bloom that reduced yields in some vineyards. This was followed by a late frost in mid-April, but thankfully we did not get extreme freezing temperatures. Spring weather was very unpredictable, with a mix of cool, warm, and hot days. To add to the excitement, Mother Nature gave us some late June rain that increased the mildew pressure across the valley. It wasn’t until mid-July when we reached our typical summer temperatures. The rest of the summer was unremarkable, with average temperatures and good growing conditions. Then, just at the start of harvest, we experienced a nine-day heat wave with record temperatures. Despite the drought and extreme heat at harvest, with careful attention to the timing of our work in the vineyards, we brought in exceptional fruit. Overall, the wines from this vintage have riper flavors and softer acid structures.
TASTING NOTES
This ARCADIA VINEYARD Chardonnay offers inviting aromas of stone fruit, honeysuckle, orange blossom and green apple. On the palate, the wine has mineral tones. The wine has bright acidity, leading to a persistent finish with pleasing mineral notes and a touch of vanilla.
FOOD PAIRINGS
Enjoy this wine with grilled Halibut and lemons, seared scallops drizzled with lemon-infused olive oil, or kale salad with apples and chicken.