Inspiration
The finest Chardonnay we produce is made as a tribute to my
wife and winery partner, Diana. I sourced grapes for Cuvée Diana from some of the best
vineyards sites in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. We are committed to producing wine that contributes to the
world–class reputation of this wine region.
Harvest
The weather in 2018 was characterized by mild temperatures
during the growing season that continued into harvest. The grapes from both of
our vineyard sources were harvested on September 28th with an
average sugar content of 22.6 Brix.
Winemaking
The
grapes were whole-cluster pressed and the juice settled for 24 hours before it
was racked to barrels for fermentation. After a 20-day fermentation, the
barrels were topped off to begin barrel aging. Each lot was aged in French oak
barrels for 14 months before being blended and prepared for bottling in late
January 2020. In order to preserve the Chardonnay grapes’ aromatics and flavors,
only 23% of the blended wine was aged in new French oak barrels.
The Wine
The
wine has a medium straw gold color. The aromas are a heady combination of
spiced apples, pears and fresh pineapple. On the palate the wine is
medium-bodied with a rich texture bolstered by the flavors of sweet corn and
candied citrus fruit. The wine’s excellent acidity provides for a long,
lingering and very satisfying finish.
Food
Pairings
This
flavorful Chardonnay will pair well with a variety of seafood, roasted chicken
and is perfect with Linguine with White Clam Sauce.
Rick
Longoria, Winemaker
October
1, 2020
Composition:
100% Chardonnay
Vineyard
sources: Sanford & Benedict (53%)
Fe Ciega
(47%)
Production:
103 cases
Alcohol
by volume: 13.9%
pH:
3.40
Titratable
acidity: 0.66g/100ml
Cellaring
potential: Three to five years
