2024 ZD Chardonnay California, USA

Winemaker Tasting Notes: The 2024 vintage presented fantastic growing conditions for our Chardonnay, resulting in an exceptional varietal expression. A warm season with bountiful sunlight allowed the grapes to reach optimal ripeness while maintaining vibrant acidity. This was a great year for ZD’s 56th harvest producing world-class wines!

Organically certified grapes from four appellations (Napa Carneros, Sonoma Carneros, Monterey, and Santa Barbara) were hand harvested at night and 100% barrel fermented in our custom-designed cellar room at a cool 48°F. This long, cool fermentation ensures optimal lees contact for richness and depth, and helps to prevent malolactic fermentation, thus preserving the bright natural acidity from our coastal vineyard sites. The wine rested for 10 months in 100% American Oak barrels, which contributes to an enhanced complexity.

This Chardonnay displays a medium-yellow hue hinting at the wine’s intensity. Aromas bursting of tropical fruit, candied apricot, orange blossom, and grapefruit rind mingle with coconut. The palate follows through with a distinct richness of ripe pineapple, lemon curd, and balanced flavors of guava and tangerine. The acidity in this wine is mouthwatering. In ZD’s signature Chardonnay style, the wine is vibrant, complex, and finishes with vanillin notes, resulting in a long-lasting mouthfeel.