Rodney Strong Chardonnay California 2022 750 ML

WINEMAKING NOTES\nWe barrel fermented 60% of our California Chardonnay and aged that portion in French oak barrels, stirring the lees every month to lend a creaminess to the mouthfeel and a touch of spice and vanilla to the flavors. The remainder was cold-fermented in stainless steel to heighten the fresh tropical and citrus fruit character. This vintage displays aromas of lemon curd and apple with hints of toasty oak and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with silky notes of fresh pear and pineapple. Enjoy this wine with grilled asparagus, seared tuna with a mango-avocado salsa or an apple and brie grilled cheese.\nPRODUCTION NOTES\nThe 2022 vintage was dry and mild. Rain from the previous autumn was light, and the new year was warm and dry with daytime highs up to 70°F in early spring. After a few light sprinkles in the late spring and early summer, the temperature climbed into the triple digits a few days in June, but the season was mild overall, with most summer days peaking around 85-90°F. The balance of moderately high daytime temperatures and cool evenings yielded ideal flavor concentration and mild acidity. Due to the dry and seasonable weather, harvest came expectedly earlier than previous vintages, and we picked fruit between August 20th through September 13th.