For a small portion of our 2022 Chardonnay, when the time came to bottle it, we hesitated. Harvested by hand on April 11, fermented by wild yeasts, and aged in oak barrels, it was already very good Chardonnay, but a few barrels of it seemed capable of much more. So we gave those barrels a few more months to complete malolactic fermentation, and to mature and integrate. In other words, we gave this wine a bit more time to get its act together.

Like many a reluctant graduate, it appears this Chardonnay simply needed that extra time to achieve its potential. And that is how it earned its name. Look for a rich yet energetic balance of white peaches, nectarines, apples, chamomile, roasted nuts, baking spices, and a hint of wet river stone. On the palate, this feast is framed by lacy acidity, fine wood tannins, and a hint of meyer lemon zest.  Will age well for at least 8 years. Following old world tradition, we have not filtered this wine, so it may develop sediment over time.

Technical notes: 14,1% alcohol, pH 3.3. Vegan friendly, minimal sulfites.