“Pour Rosie” is named in homage to Rosie Rafael, a remarkable mother who had the inspiration to insist on planting Chardonnay as the first parcel of our vineyard in 1982.

Vintage

Rainfall was abundant during February leading to a mild spring with slightly late bud break and flowering. Mild weather continued for the remainder of the growing season making for optimal ripening. Harvest was about 20% higher than normal.

Rafael Vineyard

The vineyard is located northwest of the town of Napa just within the boundary of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley AVA. Bordering Mt. Veeder, it’s a unique, highly prized hillside location with southern exposure and steep slopes that dramatically rise to well over 400 feet in elevation. Sitting in the Dry Creek alluvial fan, soils transition to silty clay loam on the lower portion of the vineyard. This is where the Chardonnay vines are planted, on some of the last St George rootstock to have survived phylloxera in the valley. See clone, a variant to Wente, is used and yields are low at between 2 to 3 tons per acre in the well-drained soils. Vineyard practices are certified Napa Green Land and Fish-Friendly Farming, one of the most comprehensive environmental certifications in California.

Vinification

The Chardonnay grapes were picked relatively early for maximum flavor, refreshing crispness and restrained alcohol, but not so early to lack body and mouthfeel. The grapes were whole cluster pressed away from the skins and fermented slowly at cool temperature to retain varietal flavors. Malolactic fermentation was left to its own devices. The wine was aged in large foudres for 11 months prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes

The wine is a straw color. It exhibits complex aromas and flavors of citrus, pear, minerals, almonds and green olive with a medium-bodied creamy texture. Mineral notes, lemon zest and the faintest hint of nuttiness makes for a memorable, refreshing finish. Drink now or age for 6-8 years. The wine is an excellent pair with food.

Technical Information

Harvest Date: August 25, 2020, Sugar: 22.5 degrees Brix, Titratable Acidity: 5.5 g/l, pH: 3.78, Alcohol: 13.3%