Gundlach Bundschu 2018 Chardonnay

Some Sonoma Chardonnay wineries slather on the butter but here on Rhinefarm, we like to strike a tasty balance of old and new world style. To help achieve this, were fortunate enough to work with a combination of 45- and 12-year-old vines planted in the coolest part of our ranch where Mother Nature funnels chilly Pacific breezes through the Petaluma Gap. Utilizing that cooling affect, we strive for balanced vines with canopies that protect the fruit as much as possible from direct sunlight to preserve the beautiful aromatic characteristics and pick early to capture the natural acidity. Each nuanced portion of the various blocks of Chardonnay offer slightly different flavor profiles which we capture by fermenting separately. We select one small portion each year to ferment in stainless steel tank to capture the brightest natural acidity and ferment the remainder (~80 percent) in French oak barrels.Used barrels in combination of once, twice, three and four times used are an extremely important part of this program to allow for oak influence without dominating the flavors. 2018 had incredibly moderate and consistent day time temperatures pushing this growing season until the 1st week of November. The latest we have finished picking in almost a decade. These perfect conditions resulted in impeccable fruit quality across all varietals. Flavor and phenolic ripeness was achieved at lower sugar levels. This balance has created some of the most elegant and age worthy wines produced in recent memory. Yields were also exceptional, which means great wine and lots of it. Truly a goldilocks type vintage, with all aspects (climate, hangtime, and yields) being just right.

Alcohol percentage: 14.1

Tasting Notes

Were all about breaking traditions, but when it comes to Chardonnay, we take our inspiration from the old-school burgundy wines to bring you the closest thing to a classic Chablis. Flinty and fresh, this wine unveils elegant notes of stone fruit, nectarine, and honeydew melon. Our medium bodied chardonnay is aromatic and bright, with balanced acidity and a restrained oak influence. Serve with a perfect roast chicken and make all your Ina Garten dreams come true.