2017 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay Huichica Hills Vineyard
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This Chardonnay comes from the historic Huichica Hills Vineyard in the cool heart of Carneros. Grown in clay loam soils with ideal east-west row orientations, Huichica Hills’ developed Chardonnay vines produce small clusters and berries, resulting in beautiful concentration and complexity. Fermented on the lees in the finest French oak, the result is a crisp, mineral-driven wine, alluring layers of Anjou pear, white nectarine and citrus blossom.
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 100% Chardonnay; Cooperage: 100% French oak - 50% neutral, 30% new, 20% second vintage - 15% malolactic fermentation
Winemaker Notes
Both lush and poised, this radiant cool-climate Chardonnay begins with aromas of jasmine, lime, nectarine, white peach and wet stone minerality. On the palate, a bright acid and a beautiful silky texture add precision and power to the stone fruit and citrus flavors. Creamy and mouthcoating, it glides to a long, polished finish.
Production
The 2017 growing season began with abundant winter rains, followed by a warm, dry spring that led to a perfectly timed budbreak. In addition to replenishing the water table, the early season rains produced robust canopies, which provided invaluable shade during a week-long heat event that kicked harvest into gear during the last week of August. This was followed by a much-needed cooldown that allowed the vines to recuperate, while also giving us extra hangtime for flavor development and tannin resolution. We harvested throughout September and into early October, with the grapes showing lovely ripeness and quality, yielding plush, polished and wonderfully complex wines.
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2017
Varietal
Chardonnay
Appellation
Napa Valley
Vineyard Designation
Huichica Hills Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 4 - 13, 2017
Sugar
24.1° Brix at harvest
Acid
0.58 g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH
3.58
Aging
10 months at barrel
Fermentation
18-62 days fermentation at 55°F
Alcohol %
14.3
