Failla Chardonnay 2018, Hudson Vineyard, Napa Valley, California

Ehren and grape grower Lee Hudson go way back – all the way back to Ehren’s days at Neyers where he made Chardonnay, Syrah, and Grenache from this esteemed southwestern Napa Valley Site. The vineyard sits pretty on a 2000 acre ranch that Lee purchased in 1979 and slowly developed into one of Napa Valley’s most recognizable vineyard names. Lee is also known for producing gigantic pumpkins every Fall and displaying them at Napa’s Oxbow Market! This close association has allowed Failla to enjoy vineyard-designate status from Hudson since 2010 with inaugural releases of both Chardonnay and Syrah. The Chardonnay is sourced from Block F – easily one of Hudson’s best and most intriguing spots for the varietal. Originally planted in 1984, the parcel sits is almost immediately visible from the entryway to the ranch property – just pass the series of olive trees and you nearly run right into the rows that provide us our delicious bounty.