Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay 2022, Carneros, Napa Valley, California

This wine is a testament to the Carneros region, brimming with Meyer lemon, yellow apple, and salted butterscotch notes. Concentrated layers of spices and creamy vanilla meld with well-integrated oak and elegant waves of fresh acidity on the palate. Winemaker notes: “As with all our white wines, we are looking for texture and complexity. To achieve this, we practice a long, cold fermentation and then put the wine through partial malolactic fermentation to soften the overall high acidity. While aging, we employ bâtonnage (hand-stirring the lees) regularly to promote depth and longevity in the wine.” Sourcing: The foundation for the Carneros Chardonnay is the winery’s own Lewis Vineyard, with additions from neighboring Beckstoffer Vineyards in Napa-Carneros and Sangiacomo Vineyards located in Sonoma-Carneros. Aging: Barrel fermented in 34% new, 33% once- and 33% twice-filled French oak barrels for 9 months.