2008 Califa Chardonnay

Winemaker’s Notes: The name Califa means “most beautiful one” in a local native language and, from the moment of harvest, we begin identifying the best clones and barrels of the vintage to bear this designation. Our Chardonnay was hand-picked and sorted at night between October 16th and 22nd, then quickly pressed in whole clusters to retain full expression of pure fruit and minerality. The juice was cold-settled and racked to barrel for fermentation with a selection of yeasts. The wine underwent partial malolactic and was aged on the lees with frequent stirring for eight months. After racking and blending, it was barrel-aged a further six months for total integration of structure and flavor

Always a powerhouse of flavor, the 2008 Califa is unusually decadent, with a seductive nose of grilled pineapple, ripe pear and crème brûlée. The palate is equally lush yet well-structured with bright citrus acidity balancing notes of honeyed fruit, butterscotch and vanilla.