2023 HANNA Chardonnay 750ml

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL - Sonoma County Harvest Fair 2024

 

Vineyards: Our Chardonnay is made from our two mature vineyards in the Russian River Valley. The Slusser Ranch was planted in 1992 on Cortina gravelly loam. Although we have irrigation, it is seldom needed. The Home Ranch was planted in 1990 on Wright loam, which sometimes requires irrigation during heat spells.  

 

Russian River Valley 2023: Another wet winter followed by a cool spring and summer allowed clusters to size above expectations. Continued moderate temps in late summer and early fall resulted in slow ripening and a harvest that was a month later than 2022 with bright acids, and fresh flavors. We had no heat waves and ended up with 2700 Degree-Days at our Slusser vineyard. Our 2023 Chardonnay was harvested between September 18, and October 18, 2023. The grapes were harvested at an average of 24.3° Brix, TA of 0.72 g/100 mL, and pH 3.28.

 

Winemaking: Our Chardonnay was hand harvested at night, picked into half-ton bins, and hauled the short distance to the winery. Once the grapes arrived, we hand-sorted the fruit and whole cluster pressed them while still cold. The juice was cold settled, allowed to begin fermentation, and then moved to 60-gallon French and European barrels. The wine was aged in 33% new and 4% six-month-old barrels for six months.

 

Tasting Notes: Poached pear, quince flower, magnolia and orange blossom nuzzle affectionately. By mouth the loquat, grilled lemon, almond dusted fig and pineapple flavors delight. This youngster is rich, bright and vigorously taut. (Tasted 7-8-24) 

 

 

Variety

90% Chardonnay, 10% Colombard

Age of Vines

30 to 50 years

 

Alcohol: 14.0%

pH: 3.38

Titratable Acidity

0.7 g/100 mL

Residual Sugar 0.27%

Avg. Brix at Harvest

24.3 o  Brix

Harvest Dates       

September 18 through October 18, 2023

 

Malolactic fermentation

72%

Length/Type of Aging

6 months in 60-gal oak barrels.

Oak Types

33% new and 4% six-month-old French & European oak from Billon Treuil, Nadalie, Fouailly, Trust, Vernou and Damy

 

Bottling Dates

June 3, 4 & 5, 2024

Number of Cases

4,800

Vegan