Adelaida Chardonnay 2022, HMR Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, California

Aroma: Wet cobblestone, citrus zest, sweet almond. Flavor: Fresh clementiine, ripe Anjou pear, candied ginger. Vineyards details: HMR Estate Vineyard, 1600-1735 feet, calcareous limestone soil. Adelaida’s organically-farmed estate vineyards are located in the coastal influenced Santa Lucia Mountain Range on the west side of the Paso Robles AVA. Situated on steep hillsides, these sites lie within the Adelaida District, a sub-appellation in the northwest corner of the wine region. With elevations ranging from 1400 – 2050 ft, limestone subsoils, and extreme diurnal temperature swings, averaging 45 degrees, Adelaida produces wines with distinct expressions of their site. The 2022 vintage started with roughly 20 inches of rainfall and hinted at consistent summer temperatures that did not see peaks or troughs. This was until our extreme heat event that expedited harvest and will likely mark the vintage for all of California. The heat wave hit at the exact moment when the fruit was at the tail end of its ripening journey. With over a week of 105-degree-plus temperatures, this vintage forced vintners/viticulturists to decide on picking grapes early with higher acids or later, running the possibility of over-ripe fruit. Varietal purity and sense of place are emphasized here with new world fruit meets old world-like structure. Beautifully aromatic and engaging, with bright and pure aromas of ocean breezes, citrus zest, and almond kernel. Melon and white flower scents follow, leading the way to an inviting taste. Upon the first sip, the richness of flavors is supported by superb natural fruit acidity from the underlying Limestone-rich bedrock. 100% Chardonnay. Aged 9 months in 30% new French oak.