2022 Unoaked Chardonnay

Livermore Valley

 

Grown by Pruett Farms

Produced + Bottled by Fraser-Howard Vineyards

$32

New fruit sourcing but the same beautifully bright and flavorful Unoaked Chardonnay expected from this label.  This 100% stainless steel fermented wine showcased the pure characteristics of Chardonnay fruit. No masking of oak or butter, this wine showcases clean, vibrant fruit aromatics of peach, underripe pineapple, apples, and vibrant citrus. Stone fruits, lemon, apricots, and crisp acidity coat your palate endings with a long, soft finish that makes your mouth water for more. A perfect food wine that can stack up to any dish or any occasion.

2022 saw a major change to the traditional Unoaked Chardonnay from Fraser-Howard. Low yields in the vineyard paired with massive heat spikes late in the growing season made it difficult to source enough fruit to produce both an oaked and unoaked showing in 2022. Due to this, the decision was made to allocate all estate fruit to our Row III Reserve Chardonnay and seek sourcing elsewhere for our Unoaked. More info on Pruett Farms vineyard can be found below.

Harvested in the early morning hours in mid September.  The fruit was pressed whole cluster before being fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve the bright acidity and fruit flavors. Minimal lees stirring during aging, with minimal low impact malo-lactic conversion for stability and mouthfeel.

Located a few miles down the road Pruett Farms is a fellow small Chardonnay-focused vineyard in Livermore Valley. When deciding on where to source extra fruit in 2022, the decision was an easy one. Owner Bob Pruett takes incredible care of his vines and produces some beautiful showings of Chardonnay. 

This Unoaked Chard is a beautiful addition to the program and perfectly satisfies the characteristics we have come to love from our unoaked offering. For more info on Pruett Farms and the wines produced click here.