
2023 KARIA Chardonnay
ABOUT KARIA
The name KARIA (KAR-ee-ah) is derived from the Greek word meaning graceful, and the 2023 KARIA Chardonnay lives up to its moniker. It shows how grapes from select cool-climate vineyards in southern Napa Valley can be vinified and blended into a seamless integration of fresh-fruit aromas and flavors, crisp acidity and subtle oak spice. Light and graceful: that’s KARIA.
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
KARIA comes from a tapestry of vineyards in the southern part of Napa Valley. For the 2023 vintage, vineyards in the Atlas Peak District (42%), Carneros (35%), Arcadia (14%) and Bravo Zulu (8%) contributed fruit for this wine. The vineyards in Carneros (Beckster Las Amigas and Carneros Creek), which are cooled in the mornings and evenings by breezes sweeping north from San Pablo Bay, contribute citrus and mineral notes to the wine. ARCADIA VINEYARD brings perfume and delicate fruit characters. The Oak Knoll vineyards (Bravo Zulu) provide bright, juicy apple and pear personality to the blend. Atlas Peak fruit adds a lemon/lime citrus character and a richer mouthfeel. The grapes for this wine were picked early in the morning to keep them cool and then they were whole cluster pressed to preserve freshness. Oak and malolactic fermentation were used in moderation to accent, rather than overwhelm, the fruit.
VINTAGE
The 2023 vintage could be the vintage of the decade. It is among the coolest growing seasons in Napa Valley in the past ten-plus years, resulting in wines that are exceptionally flavorful, expressive, and have strong potential to age for decades to come.
Winter brought ample rainfall that filled reservoirs and enriched soils with lasting saturation. The two-year average rainfall in 2021 & 2022 was 17.5 inches. In 2023, that figure more than doubled to 39.6 inches at our estate.
Cool conditions led to a later-than-average bud break in mid-April, with continued cold weather throughout bloom. Summer was a classic for Napa Valley. Warm sunny days combined with cool sea breezes in the late afternoon and evening persisted all season long, resulting in a slow and even ripening period.
TASTING NOTES
This Chardonnay presents a complex bouquet with enticing aromas of ripe melon, honeysuckle, and juicy peach, complemented by delicate hints of citrus blossoms.
The palate is greeted with a bright and vibrant entry, showcasing a harmonious blend of fruity flavors and a touch of hazelnut. Subtle notes of vanilla and oak add depth and richness, while the finish is enduringly savory, leaving a lasting impression with its lingering citrus notes. This wine's well-integrated acidity and balanced structure make it refreshing and satisfying.