2023 Arroyo Vista Chardonnay Arroyo Seco

The Arroyo Vista Chardonnay is grown in the heart of the windswept Arroyo Seco AVA of Monterey County.  Sand and gravelly loam soils of the Elder series are intermixed and underlain by “Greenfield potatoes” - stones that resemble potatoes in size and appearance and which absorb heat during the day and radiate it after sunset. This underlayment of stone effectively limits root growth to the top three to five feet of soil, harmoniously balancing the fruit and shoot growth of this richly flavoured Chardonnay.

The 2023 growing season was characterized by an unusually cool spring and summer, providing for slow and even ripening of the Chardonnay grapes. The extended time on the vine resulted in a classic Arroyo Seco combination of fresh flavours and acidity along with balanced texture. Most of the blend is clone 76 with its white floral, Meyer lemon, ripe apple aromas and flavours. The local Mt. Eden clone offers yellow floral, citrus, and Fuji apple tones. Clone 96 brings white nectarine and apricot flavours and
texture. Clone 548 offers floral aromas and pear flavours, while clone 17 offers white floral, white peach, and minerality to this blend. 

Exhibits intriguing aromas of paperwhites, Meyer lemon, ripe apple, pear, and apricot. The rich palate texture is derived from the use of classic Burgundian techniques, such as primary and malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels and weekly stirring of the lees during aging. Integrated flavours of pear, lemon cream, chalky minerality, and baking spices lead to a long, sweet oak finish. - Kristen Barnhisel WINEMAKER, WHITE WINE