2018 Lorenzo Chardonnay

Russian River

THE VINEYARD
Phyllis and John Bazzano have been taking care of this site named after John's grandfather from the beginning. Because of this stewardship, during the replanting due to phylloxera in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Bazzonos were able to retain their Old Wente clone on AxR1 rootstock. Today, they boast some of the oldest Chardonnay plantings in California. The vine development is intense, resulting in astonishing flavors. We are privileged to produce this wine.

SENSORY NOTES
Chardonnay fruit grown in the center of the Russian River Valley has a telltale petrichor minerality (like the reassuring smell of rain-washed pebbles) that adds complexity to this wine. Distinct notes of peach melba, honeydew melon, butterscotch, and Asian spice are welcome on the palate along with a slight grassiness. The natural acidity in this wine gives a gorgeous mouthfeel with a soft unctuous touch that delights. White Burgundy in style, we used a higher percentage of new French oak that marries well with the Old Wente clone adding a bit of pain grillé toastiness. This wine will cellar through 2024-2027. Versatile for pairing, try it with your favorite pho, squash soup, clam chowder, sushi, or, if youre feeling a bit decadent, small potato bites topped with
caviar, crème fraiche, and dill.

93 points, Wine Enthusiast

100% Chardonnay | Clone: Old Wente
Harvest Pick: September 26, 2018
Aging: 11 months in air-dried 3-year old French oak, 38% new
Alc: 13.6% | 141 cases produced