Long Meadow Ranch Chardonnay 2018, Anderson Valley, California

Located in the west or ‘deep end’ of the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County, approximately 2.5 hours north of San Francisco, this Anderson Valley Estate has 69 acres planted to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. With the Navarro River to the southwest and close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, a natural marine layer blankets the vineyards and creates terroir ideal for the estate-grown Burgundian varietals to mature slowly and ripen to the peak of their varietal character. Winemaker’s Notes: “The bright aromatics and the palate possesses minerality with a burgeoning richness. Youthful and pale green in color, the flavors are complex and intricate, revealing floral, pear, and lemon notes. A lovely mineral core and crystallized fruit, with a long, energetic finish. Very enjoyable now but will age gracefully for at least a decade.” ~Stéphane Vivier. Vineyard Notes: An early bud break, wet spring soils, and a long growing season produced a vintage with excellent quality. Spring started quickly and rapid growth was met with average summer temperatures, which slowed development and reduced yields. The result was a moderate crop of well-concentrated fruit that ripened fully and slowly before an early harvest.