Fennell Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills 2019

From the winery: I selected clone 548 Chardonnay from Peake Ranch for its tendency towards focused citrus flavors and distinctive minerality. After hand picking at night, the fruit was gently pressed as whole clusters, the juice was settled overnight, then transferred to barrels for a native fermentation. The slow conversion of grape sugars gives complexity and increased mouthfeel. A lengthy primary and secondary ferment was encouraged by occasional stirring of the yeast lees. Like an “old world” Chardonnay from an esteemed vineyard, this wine hid its true qualities for months in the barrel. Allowing the wine to develop gradually before bottling in the spring, after the next vintage, let this late bloomer shine.