Manzoni Estate Vineyard

The Lucia Highland Vineyard which is located in the northern, coolest part of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation, is where we get the Wente Clone 4. Moderately warm and breezy days are followed by cool evenings and foggy mornings, ideal conditions for intensely flavorful Chardonnays.

Due to a warm and dry spell in February our grape vines came out of dormancy early signaling the start to the growing season. However, March saw two snowy days and below average temperatures that persisted until the middle of July. This slowed maturation in the vineyard to a snail’s pace delaying harvest until late October when we finally experienced our typical Indian summer.

Hand harvested fruit was immediately pressed into stainless steel tanks to settle for 72 hours prior to being transferred to a combination of French oak barrels and stainless steel tank for fermentation. After the completion of primary fermentation, the young wine was allowed to go through 100 percent malolactic fermentation to add complexity and a supple mouthfeel.

 

Chardonnay from the Santa Lucia Highlands is always loaded with incredible fruit intensity and firm acidity. Ripe pear and tropical aromas of pineapple and banana accentuate the nose. Through the process of “sur lee” aging the wine has developed a soft texture with medium weight and a yeasty/creamy character. A touch of citrus and French oak are also evident. This wine is fashioned in an approachable style that pairs well with lighter foods, especially chicken and white fish.