Description
Carpe Diem Anderson Valley Chardonnay
Carpe Diem Chardonnay is produced in Northern California‘s Anderson Valley. Over the years, this region has gained the reputation of an ideal terroir to grow Chardonnay for still wines. Grapes for the Carpe Diem Chardonnay are selected exclusively from the best vineyards in Northern California‘s cool Anderson Valley. This fog-shrouded region not far from Mendocino Coast and the Pacific Ocean provides ideal growing conditions for these delicate grapes. Vinified under the meticulous supervision of Domaine Anderson‘s winemaker Darrin Low, Carpe Diem‘s philosophy is to offer the best of two worlds: the richness of California fruit and the elegance of a French wine.
Picked at night to conserve cool temperatures before loading and pressing grapes whole cluster/whole berry. Dijon clones and heritage selections are represented from five estate vineyard sites traversing the idyllic Anderson Valley. Naturally occurring native yeast fermented 24% in closed-top stainless steel tanks and 74% in mostly neutral French oak barrels; 20% new French oak barrels were used.
A cool and slow natural flora malolactic fermentation completed the following spring 2020. Wines were barrel-aged for 10 months to further conserve freshness and balance oak impact. Lightly filtered.
Tasting Notes:
Impressive pale-yellow, dry-straw color. Bright and fresh aromas of honeydew and ripe apple. A smooth mouthfeel and texture frame expressive flavors of white nectarine and grilled peach. Pleasant and juicy, soft and well-coated on the palate. Strikes a balance with crisp acidity and ripe finish.
