2020 Elias Chardonnay 750ml
Vineyards: Our Elias Chardonnay is made from our estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley. The 2020 Elias is made from Chardonnay grown on our Home Ranch. These vines, now over 30 years old, are coolly ablaze in red and yellow lichens and producing wines of profound depth.
Russian River Valley 2020: In Contrast with 2019, winter was mild and dry with a very warm February and early bud break. A near frost free spring and hot temperatures in May followed by a mid-month rain reduced fruit set. Summer was mild until two hot windy days in mid-August accelerated the lightning caused Walbridge fire west of our vineyards. Potential smoke taint was a concern, but we thankfully tested negative on our Chardonnay. We harvested on September 15, 2020 at an average 24.9 o Brix, TA 0.66 g/100 mL and pH of 3.32.
Winemaking: The 2020 Elias Chardonnay was hand harvested at dawn and brought to the crush pad by tractor. The grapes were carefully hand sorted and whole cluster pressed into stainless steel tanks to settle. After racking off the heavy grape lees, the Chardonnay was 100% barrel fermented. In the spring of 2021, the best barrels were chosen for Elias and given extended time on lees. The wine was sur lie aged for 16 months, with monthly battonage. The 2020 Elias was fermented and aged in 36% new, French oak barrels from Remond, Marcel Cadet and Billon.
Tasting Notes: There is some serious ebullience here, poached pear, toffee, almond wood and hazelnut aromas entice. By mouth it is delicately delicious with notes of apple blossom, teak, Meyer lemon, and persimmon cake. (Tasted 1-23-23)
Variety
100% Chardonnay
Vineyard Location
Home Ranch in the Russian River Valley
Age of Vines
31-32 years
Alcohol
14.2%
pH
3.31
Titratable Acidity
0.80 g/100 mL
Residual Sugar
0.04%
Avg. Brix at Harvest 24.9o
Harvest Date
September 15, 2020
Fermentation
100% Barrel Fermented
Fermentation Temp.
Cellar Temperature
Malolactic fermentation
100%
Length/Type of Aging
16 months in 60-gal oak barrels on lees.
Oak Types
36% New European oak from Remond, Marcel Cadet and Billon cooperages.
Bottling Date
April 20, 2022
Number of Cases
221