Lava Cap Reserve Chardonnay 2023, El Dorado, California

This wine combines the best of Chardonnay’s characteristics when grown in the mountains, showing both richness and freshness that exist in tension and harmony. A wine that has long been sought after for its balance, the 2023 Chardonnay holds true to this tradition with a vibrant nose filled with tropical fruit and Myer lemon, framed by a backdrop of toasty brioche and flint. On the palate the wine shows a perfect combination of both richness and freshness, with ample acidity tying it all together for a long finish. Lava Cap has 6 different blocks of Chardonnay ranging in elevation from 2400 ft to 2700 ft. Each plot is planted in soil of differing depths, and with a different aspect. Most of the blocks are facing NW, on gentle slopes comprised of finely decomposed volcanic debris. The vines receive the most sun during the mornings, and are protected from warm evening heat, allowing for ample ripening while preserving freshness and vibrancy. The Chardonnay is 50% barrel fermented, 50% stainless steel fermented. The cool fermentations take place over 4 weeks. The barrel component receives lees stirring weekly through ML, and once per month after, adding texture to the final blend. 50% of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, while the remainder does not to preserve freshness and vibrancy. Half the wine is aged in stainless steel, and half in neutral French, Hungarian, and Slovenian oak hogsheads.