Hero Cellars Napa Chardonnay

2016 Hero Cellars Chardonnay, Napa Valley

The Chardonnay grapes come from Rutherford region of the Napa Valley that benefit from the black humus rich clay soils coupled with the close proximity to the San Francisco Bay. The cool temperatures and the fog covered summer mornings create a very long growing season that allows the fruit to develop more complex texture as well as flavors and aromas. The fruit was harvested at optimal ripeness and was crushed, pressed, and fermented in barrels.  The wine went through a cool fermentation with D21 yeast and was stirred post fermentation in sur lie style, to add depth and complexity. The wine underwent malo-lactic fermentation to further complex texture and finish of the wine.

Technical Notes:

• Alcohol: 14.1%
• Harvest Dates: Aug. 31^st
• Total Acidity: 6.5 g/L
• pH: 3.43
• Residual Sugar: 1.2 g/L

Composition:

• 100% Chardonnay

This Chardonnay has a soft golden hue.  The aromas are a mixture of tropical papaya, pineapple, and coconut; along with subtle notes of meyer lemon and grapefruit.  The wine has supple texture and richness from sur-lees aging juxtaposed with flavors consistent with the aromatics of tropical fruit and creamy coconut and vanilla.  Crisp acidity carries through to the finish and leaves a tropical citrus finish.  This wine would be delicious with grilled lobster tail with a mango chutney, linguini del mare with clams, crab, scallops and shrimp in a light tomato, clam juices, and butter sauce, or roasted lemon chicken with an orzo pasta salad.