2021 Clos d'Or Chardonnay

Livermore Valley

 

Grown + Produced + Bottled

by Fraser-Howard Vineyards

$36

Inspired from time spent in Northern Burgundy, Clos d'Or literally translates to "closed in gold." The name draws reference to the fact our property and vineyard are "closed" or walled in (in our case fenced/walled), as well as the nickname of Northern Burgundy, Cote d'Or, which in itself translates to Gold Coast.

 

A personal favorite style of Chardonnay, this wine was produced to embody that which Burgundian Chardonnay does best - use oak and aging as a tool to showcase the beauty of the grape and the terroir of the vineyard. Clean and vibrant with notes of Meyer Lemon, apples and pear. Crisp acidity on the palate with a touch of oak to round all the edges. An approachable white wine for even the pickiest of Chardonnay drinkers best enjoyed with food and company.

2021 throughout California and the East Bay brought a long and even growing season with a dry winter and mild spring temperatures. A warm summer with very few heat spikes was followed by mild, warmer fall than average. Rain remained sparse throughout the year but these conditions produced smaller, more concentrated fruit clusters resulting in great flavor and acidity making for a complex and well-balanced wine.

Harvested in the early morning hours on September 12th.  The fruit was whole cluster pressed to retain delicate fruit flavors before being fermented in stainless steel tanks and racked to a neutral French oak barrique for secondary fermentation. Lees stirring during aging for increased texture and weight while maintaining the bright crisp nature of the fruit. Bottled unfilted and unfined.