2020 Reserve Chardonel
Limited Distribution
Varietal Information: Our Chardonel is the result of an exciting new hybrid grape cross between the famed Chardonnay and the popular Seyval, developed at New York's Cornell University in 1953. Select grapes, additional Sur-lie aging and a higher proportion of new French oak set our Reserve Chardonel apart from our regular Chardonel. Ninety percent of the blend was aged Sur-lie, "with yeast lees" in small French oak barrels to add flavor and complexity to the wine. By inserting a stainless steel paddle inside the barrel and stiring gently once every four days, our winemaker is able to mix the wine with the dead yeast cells, or lees, which have settled to the bottem. the yeast cells slowly release a multitude of compounds that develop the wonderful, complex flavors in the wine. Our Reserve Chardonel spends one year in the oak barrels before being bottled.
Tasting Information: Barrel fermentation in large 500L new French oak, special Sur-lie aging enhances rich aromas of buttered biscuits paired with green apples and ripe pears. Full bodied with notes of lemon rind, it is a true "Reserve" with elegant and complex character.
Awards:
Silver - 2024 American Wine Society