The 2019 growing season produced a beautifully exotic expression of Tollini Vineyard Chardonnay, with layers of gardenia and spiced lemon melded to luxurious flavors of tropical mango. Aged in one-year-old and neutral French oak barrels it displays an amazing texture, with a bright, expressive entry and nuanced hints of toast that linger on the long, supple finish.
The harvested grapes went directly as whole clusters into our tank press. A gentle press cycle was used to keep the tannin and bitterness out of the juice. The juice was then cold settled for 48 hours and racked to barrel for primary and malolactic fermentation. To frame the wine’s exotic character, it was aged in 60% one-year-old French oak barrels (with no new oak used during aging),until it was bottled on August 20, 2020.
2019 was a remarkable growing season in Sonoma County with ample winter rainfall creating wet soils and cool temperatures that delayed bud break in some areas. Spring and summer brought moderate to slightly above-average temperatures, with late May rains delaying flowering slightly but helping to produce the small, loose clusters that produce very rich and flavorful wines. To ensure that the fruit was in cool, pristine condition, we hand-harvested a night on September 9, 2019.
Spotlighting our love for exploring different Chardonnay microclimates, soil types, and regions, Tollini Vineyard is located in Mendocino County’s Redwood Valley appellation. Situated 200 feet higher than the surrounding landscape, Tollini is planted within a cool “pocket” that ensures abundant hangtime and ideal flavor development. This wine was sourced exclusively from the older vines of the Tollini Ricetti Ranch Block, which produce wines with lovely depth, perfume, and complexity.
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