2019 Chappellet Calesa Vineyard Chardonnay Petaluma Gap

Winery Notes

The Wine

Exposed to the fog and wind that funnel through the Petaluma Gap, Calesa is a cool-climate vineyard where Chardonnay ripens slowly, developing pure, vibrant flavors and ideal acidity. Farmed by acclaimed grower Oscar Renteria in shallow, gravelly loam soils, our prized hillside blocks at Calesa feature several exceptional clones of Chardonnay. In addition to producing naturally low yields, this diversity of clonal material results in a complex and layered wine with beautiful notes of citrus, tropical fruit and spice.

Growing Season & Harvest

The 2019 growing season began with cool, rainy weather throughout winter and spring, which delayed budbreak slightly and resulted in a robust crop and vigorous canopies. To create the desired vine balance, we thinned leaves and clusters extensively, doing as many as three fruit-dropping passes depending on the needs of each vine. The weather remained temperate throughout summer, followed by perfectly timed warm weather in October. As a result, our early ripening grapes yielded wines with dazzling aromatics, lovely energy and pure, fresh flavors, while our later-ripening varieties provided gorgeous color and concentration, with supple tannins and rich, soaring flavors.

Tasting Notes

Balancing lovely textural richness with finely tuned acidity, this radiant Chardonnay displays aromas of apricot, tropical flowers, lemon zest and lychee, with hints of crème fraiche, melted butter and baking spices adding depth and complexity to the fruit-driven aromas. On the palate, a lush, creamy texture frames the ripe citrus flavors, with subt